5 Mistakes

We asked our SetSail roving reporters to write about the most common mistakes they see new cruisers making.

I do apologise for the tardiness of this article, have been at sea for the last 7 weeks, and at sea there is no time! Which brings me to the 1st serious mistake that new cruises make: Deadline setting! Arranging to meet friends on a said island by a certain date. Or worse still, arranging to fetch them from the airport.

Calendars and clocks don't serve the same purpose on land and sea. At sea, new concepts like dark/light & now/later apply. So when making deadlines, leave yourself a month's leeway each way. Remember the only constant is change.

The 2nd mistake would have to be over preparedness. If you are on the dock getting ready to go, chances are you are more prepared than those already cruising. The mistake is thinking that you have to provide for every possible scenario; the liberation comes when you make a plan with what you have. Stick to the old KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid). It is not about how much you need, but how little you can get away with.

3rd--Anchoring. A common mistake is "following the book", which says 3x the depth of water for the length of chain! Why? Put all the chain you own out--what purpose does it serve lying in the anchor locker? We have 160ft 3/8th chain underneath MALAIKA at all times, which means that we have to leave ourselves space, and not drop the anchor on top of other boats. Dig the anchor in, by sterning until the chain pulls tight and is straight. If unsure, dive on the anchor to check it out, especially if you intend to leave the boat for the shore.

4th--Balancing the Boat. Having 2 anchors ready to go on the bow may be a good idea when leaving your boat unattended, but sailing with all that gear up front is only going to make you nosedive. Centre, lower and secure all the heavy gear.

5th--Lack of Practice. The information gained in an armchair is quickly forgotten in the moment, but the memory of experience seems to be imprinted in every cell. It takes practice to familiarise yourself with the workings or non-workings of your equipment. Going from marina to marina ensures clean anchor chain, but not much anchoring practice, overnight sailing, or independent shore landing. Learning how to sail in light winds keeps you away from the gas station and ensures longer stays at sea. Orientation (routine) at sea takes time, anything from 3-5 days, so be patient with yourselves whilst you settle in.

* Footnote
I threw this idea around the Panama Yacht club for some inspiration, one "old cruiser" said, "Ahh that's easy! Happy Hour." Some of the worst mistakes I've ever made in my life are decisions made after Happy Hour.

Just another good reason to stay at sea.