STEERING


When you're on the correct course, find something ahead that lines up with a piece of the boat. This saves always staring at the compass.	But, don't get transfixed by your steering mark and ignore what is going on around you. ALWAYS keep a good lookout all around especially behind you.

STEERING TO WINDWARD (Towards the wind or 'ON THE WIND') With the sails trimmed correctly the helmsman must guard against the wind getting on the other side of the sail. The first indication of this is the front of the mainsail or jib starts to belly or back so steer the bow away from the wind.

STEERING OFF THE WIND (Away from the wind) Here the helmsman must not let the wind get on the other side of the sail or it will gybe violently as above. The first indication of this is the back of the jib lifting. Steer the bow towards the wind. (With a tiller push it towards the boom)

IS HE GOING TO HIT US?	Does the background move from behind him?
Always warn the skipper of any approaching boats. Don't assume they've seen you or know the rule of the road. (You know how some people drive on the road!)	If vessel maintains the same bearing to you, there will be a collision. Check with a compass or line him up with a stanchion. Also see if the background is moving.

Always keep a good look out all around -especially astern and behind the genoa. Modern ships travel at high speeds, so this can.	... turn into a huge container ship travelling at over 30 knots and could be on top of you in less than 10 minutes.

At night it's hard to judge distance and easy to convince yourself this is only a small fishing fleet with their deck lights on...	... but, one could be a very fast moving cruise ship ablaze with lights that could be on top of you in a matter of minutes.

In poor visibility, it is often very hard to tell which way a ship is going and it is even harder for him to see you. So, keep the skipper informed of any nearby shipping.	At night the relationship between the ship's two white masthead lights, together with its port and starboard lights show in which direction it is travelling.

Various combinations of coloured lights mean different things -- even that he can't manoeuvre to get out of your way ...	and near the shore these lights can get lost in the background SO KEEP AN EVEN BETTER LOOK OUT AT NIGHT.

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