Following the Melbourne to Osaka yacht race the return voyage is often underestimated. However, it is an opportunity to explore the sensational cruising grounds of the North Pacific Ocean. Here is an insight into the change of crew and Red Jackets stop overs on the return.
Regulations
• Able to recognise a potential collision situation
• Able to recognise action to take as “stand on” and “give way” vessel
• Able to determine a safe speed
• Able to recognise manoeuvring signals
• Able to recognise and make visual distress signals
• Able to keep a proper lookout
Regulations and Pilotage
• Able to understand requirements for navigation lights and ships
• Able to recognise sound signals
• Able to recognise the following from the lights – vessel at anchor, power driven vessel and sailing vessel
• Able to recognise, by day and night, and understand the significance of buoys of the IALA system
• Able to plan a harbour entry/departure, taking in to account possible hazards
• Aware of the sources of information regarding local regulations, port entry and departure signals and Port Operations radio
Navigation
• Able to plot a position by cross bearings and by Latitude and Longitude
• Able to interpret a navigational chart and understand charted depths, drying heights and charted hazards
• Able to use a tide table to find times and heights of high and low water
• Able to determine direction and rate of tidal stream from a tidal atlas or from tidal diamonds
• Able to determine magnetic course to steer, making allowances for leeway and tidal stream
Alongside skills
• Communication with crew
• Awareness of other water users
• Use of warps/fenders
• Correct angle and speed of approach
• Securing boat to pontoon
360-degree turn
• How to do a 360-degree turn
Securing to a buoy
• Communication with crew
• Preparing warp
• Correct angle and speed of approach
• Securing the boat effectively
• Departing from the buoy safely
Handling under sail
• Choosing suitable sails for prevailing conditions
• Choosing a suitable area for hoisting/lowering sails
• Trimming sails correctly
• Communicating with crew before undertaking any manoeuvres
• Undertaking a check of the area before tacking and gibing
Power manoeuvres
• Awareness for other water users
• Use of a kill-cord
• Choosing a suitable area to carry out manoeuvres
• Carrying out an emergency stop
• Able to control speed on turns and warning crew before starting and
executing emergency turns
