Ocean Sailboat – The Recreational Vessel of the Indipendent Mariner

The “ocean sailboat” is typically over 20 feet and used outside of coastal waterways.  While many boats can be used on the ocean, the ocean sailboat is designed for this exact use.  Ocean sailboats could include race boats that are designed for the ocean and normally powered by sail. 

Keel, Trimaranas, and Catamarans can be Ocean Sailboats

Trimarans and catamarans could also fit into this category if they are made for sailing and ocean weather.  One famous sailor that could be included under the ocean sailboat designed for racing is Randy Smyth.  Randy is not only a world class ocean sailboat racer but also a small catamaran winner as well from the Worrell 1000.  The fastest ocean sailboats are multihull sailboats.  They provide a lighter hull design which allows for much faster speeds above the water.  This is also in part becuase the hull below the water tipically hass less surface and weight.  While contemporary multihulls with weather systems are very safe on the ocean many mariners prefer a keelboat becuase they believe they are safer and less likely to encounter major capsize problems while underway.

How Strong is an Ocean Sailboat?

Ocean sailing requires some level of duribility becuase the sea conditions can break apart and damage a undermade boat easily.  This means that you want a sturdy boat when waves and weather are against you when underway and in the ocean.  Sail cloth is normally much stronger on ocean sailboats becuase it needs to be stong enough to with stand long passages in variable direction and strong wind conditions.  The hull must also be very durable because if any part of the hull is damaged by dead heads (logs in the water) or other sea life you will most likely have a difficult time repairing it on the passage.  All of the equipment down to each shackel must be of grade “A” quality so that it does not get dammaged or broken in the middle of the ocean.

Finding an Ocean Sailboat

It is easy to find ocean sailboats in marinas on the ocean.  Just look at any ocean marina including the largest man built marina in the world, “Marina del Rey.”  There are many ocean sailboats here and many are just passing in from Japan, Canada, and Mexico.  Contact us directly for listings of ocean sailboats or if you want to list your boat at contact@boattransportcompany.com.

Everyone needs a helping hand sometime and sailors are no exception.
As a mariner we know the rules change when on the water.  There is
considerably more danger when on the water than when you are on land.
Sometimes if assistance is not provided right away you or another
sailor may subject to fatal penalties.

In Washington State if we leave the scene of the collision on the
water without rendering all practical and necessary assistance to the
injured person we may be charged with a felony!  This is the attitude
that sailors have towards each other.

We must help each other if we can. 

We spend countless nights on guest
beds, couches, and boats when racing or cruising out of town on a low
budget.  We loan each other sails, gas, masts, lines, and equipment if
it breaks at a race or on a distant island.  We let other boats raft
up to us even if it will make it harder for us to get out.  We find
jobs for each other and even provide a place to live when necessary.
That is how our community works.

This week I am flying to Kona, HI to sail on some cruising cats that
my buddy now owns along with his charter company for the next month.
Only six years ago he was sleeping on my couch in LA when he was
taking his instructor certs.  Sailors help you out when you help them.
 (if you are in HI come out and sail with us!)

This season I encourage everyone one of us to reach out to someone
around us and help them when in need.  As sailors it is our law, it is
what we stand for, and it pays off.

The following are basic concepts for a small boat training class:

1)  Understanding of the parts of the Laser and what they are used for.
Example – when to release or tension the Cunningham, Vang, outhaul etc.
2)  More confident and aggressive use of the main sheet.
Example – hand over hand pinkies forward after rounding
3)  Upwind and downwind covering of other boats
4)  Understanding of the center of effort and resistance.
Exmple – steering with your the heel of your boat through shifts downwind
5)  Hiking Technique 
Example – When to hike when going around the weather and leeward marks, starts, and near other boats
6)  Ability to recall rules, signals, changes, and where they can be found in the SIs and Rule Book.
http://www.sailing.org
7)  Concepts of VMG
There is also a need for nutrition and hydration.  I noticed that by the end of the day you were much more tired than you need to be.  I recommend bringing more fresh juice or purified water with you while racing small boats.  Many people also bring nutrition bars or other snacks.
In addition to learning the skills of sailing you also much be in athletic shape to improve quickly.  Here are some exercises and a time line for both your skills and your athleticism for Olympic Class Laser sailing.  They focus on your major muscle groups used and endurance.  Both of us are not in the shape we should be in for a full weekend regatta in heavy air.  REMEMBER START SLOW and don’t burn out!
Month 1
–Start a weekly Laser racing schedule where you always race a Laser at some venue once (or more!) a week.  This will improve your ability to sail the boat and become more comfortable maneuvering. 
–Begin a cross country training program.  This could be on foot, long distance rowing, long brisk walks, or on a bike.  This will help your endurance and keep you alive in race three or four on Sunday of a two day race.
–Start studying – make sure you read the updates for rules, keep up to date on major sailing events when rules have made the difference on the bullet, read the Olympic Class Laser Tuning Guide, Read the 2005-2008 Rules, watch other racers from a coach or committee boat.
–Sail in at least three different environments this month.  This could be sound water, lake water, and a river water.  This will give you more experience with variable currents, shifts, and velocity.
Month 2
–Sail the Laser in variable types of racing environments at least once a week.  This could include gate racing, match racing, and big fleet racing. 
–Begin using weights to strengthen your major muscle groups used while racing small boats.  This includes Quadriceps, Biceps, Abdominal, Back (Lower Back VERY IMPORTANT),  and Triceps.
Month 3
–Visit at least one professional racing seminar or sail trim seminar.  Many yacht clubs and sail makers do this for free once a month.
–Enter into a major weekend or one day race.  You will need to pay a racing fee and request the boat from the club at a meeting (DO NOT FINISH DFL).