Sailing Round the Emerald Isle is an Incredible Experience by David A Robinson

Sailing in Ireland is something that comes naturally to a nation that is surrounded by water. Ireland has the legacy of the Vikings, once the world's greatest seafaring people, as part of their colourful historic past.

Today, however, sailing around Ireland no longer involves pillaging. It's a pastime steadily growing in popularity, and no little wonder, for the seas around the Emerald Isle have a full range of variety and offer a sailing experience to suit everyone.

The coastline of Ireland is dotted with a numerous little towns and villages, each one with its little fishing harbour. Increasingly, these little harbours are now also catering for the recreational water sports market, mainly inshore sailing. This can be as simple as a small dinghy, or as sophisticated as a large yacht.

Dinghies are ideal for inshore sailing. They are light and easily transported. A specially designed trailer can be towed behind a car allowing anyone to move between sailing centres. Launching a dinghy is also easy and quick, especially if the sailing centre at a harbour has been adapted to make this easy.

It's not just the coastline where you can find sailing in Ireland. The inland waterways offer a unique sailing experience and many centres and clubs exist to cater for the growing demand. The river Shannon offers many sailing opportunities, as does the Loughs of Derg, Ree and Erne. Sailing inland is probably best for anyone who is inexperienced as there is less likelihood of strong winds and high waves to make the experience difficult.

If windier conditions with rougher water is more your kind of thing, then the dedicated sailing centres and clubs in the more sheltered harbours can accommodate that for you. Crosshaven harbour to the southeast of Cork, for example, is host to the Royal Cork Yacht Club, the world's oldest yacht club.

Other examples of bigger sailing centres and clubs include Dun Laoghaire and Howth on Dublin Bay, Wexford harbour in the southeast of the country, Waterford close by to the west, and Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland.

Off-shore cruising is also popular in Ireland. Some of the sailing harbours along the coast offer larger cruising yachts for the more experienced sailor. These can be hired on a weekly basis and allow you to travel much longer distances than the hire of the smaller inshore sailing boats can allow.

Competition sailing in a variety of classes is also very popular in Ireland. There are sailing clubs dotted all over the country, both on the coasts and inland, making full use of the extensive waterways that criss-cross the land.

One important point to remember if you are planning a holiday of sailing in Ireland is to always respect the weather conditions. It can look very easy on a day when the water is calm like a mill pond, but conditions can change rapidly at times and it's always best to be prepared. Always plan ahead and access a reliable weather forecast and never take on more than you can manage. Then all you have to do is simply enjoy yourself.

David A Robinson
Get all the latest on sailing in Ireland including boats for sale.

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What Shape is Your Sail? by Bradley Davidson

The headlines reporting our troubled economy and the bloodbath on Wall Street have sent shock waves throughout our communities. Most of us have felt the effects of the recent collapse of well-known companies, evaporation of retirement savings, loss of jobs, and political uncertainty. These challenging times remind me of winds blowing a boat at sea. Our lives are the boats in the brisk wind of change and uncertainty we are all experiencing. Is the turbulence of the world’s events blowing you in the opposite direction of where you want to go? Are you being blown off course?

An experienced sailor will tell you that a properly shaped sail (triangular instead of square) and the physics of “lift” will enable him to sail a boat into the wind. Wouldn’t it be great if we could set the sails of our lives in such a way that we could sail into the wind of life’s difficult events? Guess what? We can do it!

Think of your life vision as your map and compass. Your personal experiences, outlook, and commitment make up the sail that takes advantage of the “lift” of faith. We have a choice to make. We can either use a square sail (our natural inclination to be victims of life’s difficulties) and accept the idea that we will be swept away in whichever direction life’s winds blow us or we can select a properly shaped triangular sail (a positive, persevering commitment that builds on our positive experiences and enables us to see the opportunities - not the challenges - in the world), take advantage of the “lift” (our faith), and sail in the direction we were created to go regardless of the wind’s direction.

Leveraging the “Lift”

“How do I create the sail in my life that will take advantage of the ‘lift’?” you may ask. Here are some simple (though not always easy) steps to set your life’s sail to keep you on track:

§ Recognize you were created for a purpose – You have direction. Before we set sail, we must make sure our map is clear and our compass is operational. Each of us has been created with a unique purpose, or direction, for our life. This purpose is intended to create in us a hopeful future. “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11. Study, pray, and discern your life’s purpose and vision. Prepare the map.

§ Identify the events in your life that prepared you for this journey. Everything that happens in life was designed to teach us a lesson and prepare us to live our purpose. This is the structure and fabric of our sail. Spend some time thinking about your “greatest moment in life”. Why was that moment great? How did you feel? What did you do that made that great moment possible? This is what you can use to build the sail.

§ Learn how to leverage. Spend time in prayer and meditation to understand how to leverage what you did that made you successful in the past to make you successful in the present and future. We have what it takes within us to live our purpose regardless of life’s situations. If we can only discern what made our greatest moment in life great, we can work to replicate that personal outlook, skill, or focus to achieve what is before us. This is your triangular sail that, combined with the “lift” of faith, will move your life in the right direction.

§ Have faith. In order to sail into the wind using what we have learned from our past (our sail), we must have faith. Faith is the firm belief in something or someone for which there may be no tangible proof. How do we have faith? First we need to ensure the object of our faith is worthy and will never let us down. Find a fellowship of people who have strong faith. Spend time in study, prayer, and meditation. A proper sail (your outlook and behaviors that will move you forward) and the “lift” of faith will enable you to sail toward your vision.

§ Make the choice and move forward. Author Stephen Covey asserts that in that split second between the stimulus and the response resides the life-changing opportunity to exercise choice. Living in faith is an assertive choice. Being controlled by the winds of fear is a passive choice. When faced with difficult times, we can either default to the passive choice of “c’est la vie” or take the amazingly empowering opportunity to consciously choose faith. Choose the right sail and take advantage of the “lift” of faith.

§ Don’t look back. Once you’ve set sail and you are sailing into the wind, stay focused on your purpose; your map. When you experience doubt or negative thoughts, engage in the practice of “mentally looping”; consciously refocusing your thoughts from the negative back to the positive direction in which you’re wanting to move. In other words, keep referring to the map and compass.



Are you ready to take the next step?

Now that you understand how to use your map and compass, set your sail and realize you have a choice, the next step is to make the choice and create the attitude and actions in your life to affirmatively live your vision. A life coach with a strong spiritual life can help you through this journey. Or, you can “go it alone”, following these steps and partnering with other people of faith on their similar journey.

Get out the map. Set your sail. Leverage the “lift”. Make the choice to move forward in vision and faith today.

Sailing: the Thrill That not Everyone is Entitled to

From time immemorial people like adventures and like to explore. People were attracted towards the sea. They understood the use of navigation and utilized it for the development of civilization. Sailing played a key role in the development of the world. Nowadays sailing is considered as a recreational activity which is dedicated for all who loves flying. It is the art of controlling sailing boats. You will get all the freedom when the boat moves along with the wind. Recreational activity is divided mainly into three one is racing the other one is cruising and the last one is day sailing.

There are various types of sailboats used just for sailing. Sailboats are different from other boats. This boat moves through the water with the help of wind. Sails which are large pieces of clothe that converts the power of wind into the power for boat. This technology played an important role in development of trades, fishing etc. The sailboat moves according to the speed of wind and water. The sailboat will not do anything on cal days. Sailboats alone cannot drive the boat; it needs some physical object below the waterline like keel, centerboard, or underwater foil. This is usually known as second sailing.

Sailing has some basic techniques like sale trim, running, reaching, sailing upwind, reducing sail, hull trim, points of sail and heeling. The first and most important thing before sailing is to keep the boat in trim. Running is described as sailing before the wind. Reaching is the most interesting and fast point in sailing. These are the three main techniques or points a sailor must remember.

There are mainly three types of sailing boats one is day sailing boats, cruising boats, and racing boats. Day sailing boats are just for day sailing only. They don’t have over night accommodation. It is very interesting and it ranges from simple to complex ones. You can choose the one that suits your interest. The cruising boats are the best one for a weekend trip or longer trips. These boats are very large in size and have all facilities of overnight accommodation, cooking, room, etc. Racing sailboats are good for all who have passion for sailing sport.

Sailing is very interesting and enjoyable activity. If you need to know more about sailing and sail boats then there are many sailing schools which give you all essential information and teaches you how to handle the boat in water. There are sailing schools that offers training on basic cruising, bareboat cruising, sailing lessons, sailing instructions and lots more. Every sailboat can sail only with a set of regulations. It is for safety. A sailor must know all about handling a boat, its safety measures and other important aspects of sailing. Just talk with people who have experience. The sailing experience will be enjoyable if you know more about it.

Booking Crewed Sailing Charters - What You Need To Know

Crewed sailing charters are available to take you to sights you only dreamed about. These charters include staying on a yacht for a week at a time and dropping anchor in exotic ports of call. While at sea, you don't need to lift a finger nor do you need to know how to handle as sailing yacht. This is what you hire the crew for - so you can sit back and relax. When you make the decision to book one of the many crewed sailing charters available, you have to decide where you want to go and what you want to see and do.

The fee you pay for crewed sailing charters may be different depending on the part of the world where you want to charter a sailing yacht. In North America, the cost includes the rent of the yacht, the fee for the captain and the crew, as well as insurance that you pay just in case of an accident. In addition to this cost, if you charter a crewed sailing yacht the cost of the provisions, berthing fees and fuel are extras and you do need to pay them when you arrive back at the starting port. In the Mediterranean, the cost of a crewed sailing charter also includes fuel, berthing charges and water that you need to have on board the yacht.

When you start looking at the types of charter yachts, you can choose either motor or sail crewed charters. If you choose crewed sailing charters, you will experience the thrill of sailing slowly along the ocean. This is often the choice of couples that want to experience the romance of the sea. The number of people that will be going with you on the crewed sailing yacht will also determine the type of boat you need to charter. A crewed yacht is generally available for charter for a week, but you can also book these charters on a daily basis. The length of time you choose for the charter will determine the number of places that you get to visit.

When you make up your budget for crewed yacht charters, you have to include the cost of return airfare to the destination where you will board the sailing yacht. Look at what the charter company includes in its costs and then make allowances for food, fuel, anchorage and of course shopping and entertainment in the various places you dock. Then when you total this list you can determine whether or not a crewed sailing yacht is within your budget. Usually people plan for this type of vacation several years in advance and save up the money they will need to book the charter.

Once you make the booking for crewed yacht charters, the company will send you a contract to sign. When you return the signed contract, you will also have to make a 25% - 50% deposit on the reservation or you may have to make this deposit even before you receive the contract. There will also be a detailed questionnaire for you to complete so that the crew will be able to provide you with the vacation you are looking for. You will have to pay the balance of the cost of crewed yacht charters one month prior to your departure date. This way the only extra money you have to take with you is what you plan to spend while on vacation.

Looking At The Many Different Sailing Yachts That You Can Buy

Sailing yachts come in many different forms and types. You will find that there are different brands of sailing yachts which you can think about buying. These vessels can be used to travel on the surface of land and water in just about any type of weather. Depending on the type of terrain and sailing that you are planning on doing, you should look at the many different yachts you can buy.

Also when you are looking at these sailing yachts you should have a clear idea about the type of sailing that you are going to do. This is important as sailing yachts can be used for speed sailing, land sailing or having a luxurious cruise down a quiet river.

You will need to see if you are looking at sailing yachts which are capable of sailing in deep or shallow waters. Once you have clarified this part of the sailing operation you will know which yacht is best for you. There is one aspect of buying a yacht that should be firmly kept in mind. This item is the price you will need to pay.

Now depending on the type of sailing that you are going to indulge in you will find that the price of the sailing yachts can go hand in hand with this need. This means that while there are people who love to sail on open waters, there are others who are highly enthusiastic about sailing their yachts across solid land.

These people can be seen zooming over the surface of the earth in their highly streamlined, sleek sailing yachts which have been designed to speed across the surface of different terrains.

Since sailing yachts like so many other products are made to last for a certain amount of time it is in your best interests if you look after your chosen yacht with care. Provided that you give your yacht the attention that it needs you will have a sailing vessel that will last for quite a long time.

In many ways you will find that sailing yachts are vessels that can take you anywhere that you want. The many different yachts that you will see in marinas are a testament to the love that people have for these graceful sea going vehicles. With a sailing yacht you are free to travel at your own pace anywhere in the world. These are a few of the attributes and reasons why people love to have fun in sailing yachts of different styles and types.

Muna wa Wanjiru is a Web Administrator and Has Been Researching and Reporting on Yachts for Years. For More Information on Sailing Yachts, Visit His Site at Sailing Yachts

Minding the Tiller by Peter Phillips

At some time, every boat equipped with a tiller will require some method of securing it in a fixed position when at a mooring so that it does not flop around and place unnecessary wear and tear on the fittings. In addition, it is quite good to have some means of keeping the tiller straight while the tillerman ducks below for a quick cup of tea or something.

Securing the tiller in a stable position while under sail works much better on a long keeled boat with a long waterline length than on a short keeled boat which is built for more speed. Of course if you are buying a boat with a tiller rather than a wheel based steering system you should already have a long keeled boat anyway, for the same reason - that is it will be much more comfortable steering, especially for hours on end.

If you have the luxury of a self steering device you won't have that problem, but if it's an electronic one you should be mindful that electronics and sea water are not good bedfellows, and electronic devices frequently break down while at sea, so it is always prudent to have a simple backup system available. Also, self steering devices are obviously built for steering purposes, not for keeping the tiller steady while at a mooring. They are also a tempting target for thieves, and are subject to the weather. It's much better to keep them inside under lock and key while moored.

The simplest method of securing a tiller is to tie it up tightly with a rope to stop it moving around. However these simple lashings are too rigid to use when under sail, and could be hard to disconnect if the seas are rough.

There are tiller clamps available from ship chandleries, which let you connect and disconnect the tiller almost immediately. They attach to a rope fastened across the cockpit, and different positions are selected merely by sliding the clamp to the desired position. These work very well, but you can make your own.

The simplest solution is to wind a rope several times around the tiller, then attach the two free ends of the rope to the stanchions, one on each side of the boat. Thus the tiller is locked in place.

A much more satisfactory method is to introduce a short length of shockcord to the rope on each side of the tiller. You can buy a bungy cord from a discount store, or if you are really cheap, use a part of the inner tube of a bike tyre.

This method introduces some give, and takes care of the sudden surges in tide or waves when moored or when sailing, plus any other kind of sideways knock which can occur. You can adjust the rope even further by introducing sliding toggles, like those used for tent guy ropes. You slacken them off in light winds, and tighten them up when the winds get stronger.

Peter Phillips is an internet entrepreneur living in Canberra, Australia

If you are interested in sailing, please join my online community at: http://www.internetcruisingclub.com

For all you need to get started in internet marketing: http://www.money-makingopportunities.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Phillips

Analyze the Costs Before You Buy a Boat

Owning a boat costs much more over time than the actual purchase and the fuel to run the boat. There are two types of costs associated with owning a boat: one-time costs like the actual purchase, titling and outfitting of the boat and ongoing costs like fuel, insurance, maintenance and docking.

When you purchase a boat, the first decision is to buy new or used. Used boats obviously cost less but may have fewer features and more wear than a new boat. Additionally, new boats often come with warranties. Buying a boat is similar to buying a car and shopping around for the best deal and the best financing can save you a lot of money up front. If you're buying a new boat, dealers often charge a "commissioning" fee to cover the installation of any special equipment, tuning the engine and other post-purchase items. You will also have to pay sales tax and some states have a personal property tax that must be paid on boats over a certain size.

Most boat owners a responsible about budgeting for the initial purchase and outfitting of their boats, but underestimate the ongoing costs, which are the bulk of the costs of owning a boat. Insurance is the most important of these costs and the most complex. Getting quotes from several companies will ensure you get the best rate. Also, agents that specialize in boat insurance will be able to help you understand any language specific to boats that you may not be familiar with.

Dockage is another ongoing cost, unless you are lucky enough to own waterfront property. Slip fees vary by size and amenities offered. For example, in San Diego a slip with water and electricity for a 32-foot boat costs around $300 per month. Many boat owners also do not realize that if they want to tie up at a different marina or dock than their own that there may be a docking fee.

Maintenance is such a persistent ongoing cost that it has become almost a joke among boat owners. Before you purchase your boat, you should study the owner's manual and the manufacturer's website to get an accurate idea of yearly maintenance costs. Maintenance costs include more than just engine maintenance. Consider the costs of replacing sun-faded fabric, hull painting and sail replacement as well.

Finally, you need to estimate gas costs. Many a novice boat owner has been tripped up by assuming that gasoline costs the same at a marina as it does at the gas station. However, gas costs are marinas are significantly higher than at the gas pump. Visit a few marinas to get a sense of what boat gas actually costs. by j_hardcastle89

The Perfect Caribbean Sailing Vacation

Have a summer vacation on mind that promises excitement, challenge & exploration? Try going on a Caribbean sailing vacation to have an exhilarating experience sailing the seas of the Caribbean. This kind of adventure trip not only rejuvenates your body and spirits but also appeals to the explorer in you. So pack your bags and head for the perfect Caribbean getaway - a sailing vacation in the Caribbean.

There is an extensive variety of sailing destinations on the many islands of the Caribbean that one can pick from. You can choose to navigate through the tropical islets and clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea or trace the routes of ancient mariners in the Mediterranean Sea; or, perhaps you may want to laze around in the beauty of the Scandinavian fjords.
The lucid, turquoise Caribbean Sea waters are perfect and highly inviting for any one who romances the idea of sailing or cruising! With an enchanting backdrop of scenic islands Caribbean seas offer ideal sailing prospects, especially with the easterly trade winds gently stroking your face while you cruise along the beautiful turquoise waters!

The Caribbean offers some of the most thrilling sailing destinations in the world. And any 'sailing trip' without a visit to the British Virgin Islands would indeed be incomplete. The clear, blue waters are perfect for sailing coupled with other watersport activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, or just basking on the white sandy beaches in the Caribbean sun.

And surprisingly these islands are only a small part of the thousands of inviting sailing destinations in the Caribbean. St. Martin is perhaps the best-recognized place to go to after your first or second yacht charter. From there, one can sail to the island paradises of Saint Barth and Anguilla.

All the night-creatures can look forward to Antigua and Barbuda that offer a vivacious nightlife. One can also sail to Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent, and the Grenadines as well as many of the other beautifu, tropical Caribbean islands. Travel around the infrequently visited coves and bays and bask in the natural bounty. You will certainly feel reinvigorated in both body and mind while sailing through these beautiful places.

One can contact a travel agent or a first class yacht & sailing company in the Caribbean and book his trip! One can conveniently do these reservations online as well on numerous travel websites!
by auctionenterprise

Caribbean Sailing Charters - Not Just For The Experienced Sailor

Caribbean sailing charters are not all designed for those with sailing experience. If you want to charter the sailboat or yacht on your own, you will need to provide proof that you can handle the boat. You don't necessarily need to have a license, because many companies regard years of experience in sailing as better than having a certificate. You can book a sailing charter just for the relaxation of sailing. There are also Caribbean sailing charters that will teach you everything you need to know about sailing.

When you decide to take sailing lessons through one of the Caribbean sailboat charters, you will have an experience captain as your instructor. These lessons are designed for the whole family so that the next time you want to enjoy Caribbean sailing charters you can take the sailboat on your own. When you use this opportunity to learn about sailing, it will take you only one week to complete the basic course. If you wish to charter a sailboat in the Caribbean for sailing lessons you have to do on a single hulled sailboat. These lessons are not available here for catamarans.

When you book one of the Caribbean sailing charters you will want to know what is and what is not included with your booking. All of the bed linens, towels and kitchen equipment is standard fare on the bareboat sailboats. You will also have a VHF, boat phone, a cruising guide of the Caribbean and all the charts you need for sailing these waters. The basic navigation equipment, such as binoculars, safety equipment and first aid kit, is also included in Caribbean sailboat charters. You will get a full tank of fuel and water and you are expected to return the sailboat with the tanks refilled.

Some of the Caribbean sailing charters include snorkelling and diving gear with the charter. Others require you to rent this equipment if you need it. You should check out the different sailboat charter companies that offer charters to the Caribbean to see which one has all the equipment that you need for your vacation. If you choose a bareboat charter, you will have to supply your own food and if you want a captain, you also have to supply the captain's meals. On the luxury Caribbean sailboat charters, all the food and drink is included in the price as well as the cost of hiring the crew.

Caribbean sailing charters offer you the opportunity to see the Caribbean at your own pace. You set the itinerary and spend as long as you like in one place. Go ashore to shop at the markets and take in the unique culture of each of the Caribbean islands. Once you book one Caribbean sailing charter, you will be so enchanted that you will dream of the day when you can take another.Source: Free Articles Peter1