Are you a boat enthusiast and have you recently bought your first sailboat or motorboat? Then you can be considered a novice sailor. If you are going out on the water for the first time after obtaining your boating license I or II and purchasing a boat, it is important to be well informed about a number of things that you should pay attention to. In this article we give you the best tips and advice to keep your head above water as a novice captain!
Safety first
It is important for novice boaters to ensure that your vessel, whether it is a motorboat or a sailboat, is in good technical order. Make sure that everything is working properly, both technically and mechanically, and that you know the boat. Basic life-saving equipment should be on board, such as lifebuoys, life jackets, a first aid kit, ropes, a fire extinguisher, but also personal items, such as a supply of medicines (such as paracetamol and pills for travel sickness) and sunscreen, as you burn more easily on the water. Also, don't forget to bring a sharp knife for emergencies (if you have to cut a rope) and plenty of drinking water.
At least once a year, before the sailing season starts, do a thorough check to see if you have sufficient supplies, safety equipment and rescue materials on board. This way, you will be well prepared when you go out on the water and will be better able to save yourself if an emergency situation arises. Another tip that makes sailing safer: make sure you always have (spare) paddles on board – in case your boat's engine fails – and that you always have a means of communication on board for serious emergencies. Think of a fully charged smartphone (preferably with an extra charger) and flares that you can shoot if you are in real trouble and want to continue sailing.
Know the sailing rules, practice a lot & anticipate the water
If you have a small boat and a boating license is not required for you, it is wise to be well informed about the basic rules that apply when sailing on (open) water. There are five basic rules that you should know anyway. Firstly, commercial shipping always has priority (large goes before small), furthermore, starboard side has priority, and thirdly, you give priority to boats that turn on the water. Fourthly, while sailing, keep as much to the right as possible and, Last but not least wait patiently for your turn in the locks.
In addition to observing the basic sailing rules, it is very important for a novice boat enthusiast to practice sailing a lot. It is best to do this on open water and not in canals, in order to prevent collisions with other vessels. Practice steering, using the electronic navigation (if available), reversing and mooring your boat. By regularly practicing sailing, steering and using your boat, you can learn a lot in a short time and quickly become a self-confident boatswain from a novice captain.
Very important on the water, even more important than when you are driving a car, is to anticipate situations and to look ahead. Unlike a car, a motorboat or sailing ship stops much less quickly. You cannot just step on the brakes to bring your boat to a standstill immediately. Therefore, make sure that you look ahead well on the water, so that you can quickly respond to changing situations. If an oncoming vessel approaches on the water, reduce the throttle or let go of your sails. This way you brake in time and can safely pass the oncoming vessel. Especially during the sailing season, when it is busy on the water, do not sail too fast so that you have time to anticipate!
Stay on board and prevent nuisance to people, animals & nature
An important rule on the water is to always stay on board, unless there is a reason to go into the water. Sailing can become dangerous when people jump off the boat to go for a swim, for example. In the worst case, you end up in the wrong place or you are run over. Parts of the boat below the waterline, such as the engine, can also cause serious injury. If you want to swim, purchase a special ladder and enter the water calmly, or moor somewhere and enter the water from the shore or a jetty.
In nature reserves and in places where people live or recreate on the waterfront, it is important to sail quietly and not to cause (noise) nuisance. If you adhere to all the rules mentioned here, then you are actually no longer a novice boat lover!
