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Safety: Protection from the elements.
Ultraviolet rays
-Use SPF 30 sunblock or greater, even in the
winter and on cloudy days.
-It is best to apply sunblock before coming to the
beach and after a few hours in the water.
-Wear a hat that shades your face, neck and ears.
-Lycra shirts and shorts are an excellent sunblock for the body.
-Sunglasses help protect the eyes from ultraviolet rays.
Cold
Add up the water temperature and the air temperature. If they are
less than 120 degrees (F) combined, you can easily become hypothermic
and you need to wear a wetsuit. For example, if the water is 65°
and the air is 55°. Also take into account your skill level:
if you're a beginner and you'll be in the water a lot, adjust your
combined number to 150 or 160 more for kids.
Heat
On a hot day, your body can lose about one quart of water per hour.
Unless you drink the same amount, you can be vulnerable to dehydration
and heatstroke. Remember that wind will dehydrate you also.
Weather
Check the weather forecast before coming to the beach. Before rigging
or launching, scan the sky for clouds. Storms and high winds are
usually associated with dark clouds--the wind can change direction
and become dangerous in minutes. When in doubt, don't go out.
Wind
direction
Howard Park is unique in that you can sail all wind directions,
however an understanding of the usual characteristics of each wind
direction is useful.
East winds (offshore)
At Howard Park when the wind is coming from the east (mainland)
it is usually uneven and gusty. Offshore winds are not the best
for beginners because they blow you out away from shore. If you
must sail-- east winds are best sailed in the morning. Sailing from
the south end of the beach during east winds provides steadier winds
because of the longer fetch, especially in southeast winds.
South and north winds (cross-shore)
South winds are usually warm, strong and steady.
North winds are usually associated with cold fronts and can be strong
and steady also.
West winds (onshore)
In the afternoon, the land heating up can cause a nice sea breeze
at Howard Park. Look for puffy clouds rising over the shore and
the seabreeze will soon follow. This is the perfect direction for
beginners.
Rights
of Way
These are the accepted rules for who has right of way:
-Launching: before beach starting, look (and wait) for incoming
sailors--they have right of way.
-Passing (oncoming) while sailing towards another sailor: Sailor
on starboard tack (the right hand forward on the boom) has right
of way. Always keep at least 1-1/2 mast heights between you and
the other sailor while passing.
-Passing (overtaking) on the same tack (direction): The sailor ahead
has right of way. The overtaking sailor
should pass well upwind if possible and the slower sailor should
stay your course. This will help avoid possible collision
and (politely) will not disturb the air of the slower sailor.
-Jibing (and tacking): look behind you and especially down wind
(leeward). If someone is there, warn them or jibe carefully.
You
should also be familiar with these 5 BASIC RULES:
Basic
rule #1: Points of sail
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