Biofouling

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biofouling

Hull Bio-Fouling and Its Treatment

What is Bio-Fouling?

Vessel hulls need protection against the attachment of marine organisms such as barnacles and algae. The presence of these unwanted passengers is known as bio-fouling. Bio-fouling negatively affects the hydrodynamics of the hull by increasing drag and consequently, it requires increases in engine effort to maintain propulsion speed. This inefficiency increases fuel costs, with estimates as much as an additional 40% and more. Vessels will also require regular hull cleaning at considerable cost.

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Anchor Types

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anchor types

All yachts should carry at least 2 anchors in order to connect the vessel to the bed of a body of water to prevent the yacht from drifting in wind or current. This article aims to give a broad overview to assist yachtsmen in assessing the types of anchor they might choose.

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Vendee Globe 2016-2017

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vendee globe 2016-2017

The Vendee Globe 2016-2017.  This sailing race is ongoing at the time of writing.  Those that are ‘in the know’ have been glued to the internet.  The current race is fast, very exciting and in its closing stages.  It has been brilliantly covered by the internet and the Vendee Globe organizers.  The author is going to encourage you to get involved and to explain what the Vendee Globe is all about.

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Ensign Etiquette

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ensign etiquette

Ensign etiquette derives from UK flag etiquette.  It is a combination of law or ‘what you must do’ and maritime tradition i.e. expectations of behaviour within the sea-faring community.  On a vessel the most senior position for a flag is reserved for the Ensign – this is as close to the stern of the vessel as possible.  It is the largest flag and it indicates the vessel’s nationality.

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More Winter Crewing Posts

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more winter crewing posts

Here are some more winter crewing posts that Lovesail members have posted in the crewing section of the site.  If you are interested in any of them then just log into your Lovesail account and click on the Crewing section at the top of the page.  If you are not a member of Lovesail yet then why not join our friendly sailing community.

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Squalls

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squalls

Squalls – What are they?

Look out – there’s a squall coming your way!  Squalls can occur in any hemisphere as a sharp and sudden increase in wind speed. They’re often associated with oncoming changes in the weather like rain showers or thunderstorms and can also occur before snowstorms. Squalls provide a sustained increase in wind speed but may also have gusts of higher speeds within them.

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