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	<title>Sailing Blog</title>
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	<link>http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog</link>
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		<title>Site of the Month for September 2011</title>
		<link>http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/site-of-the-month-for-september-2011/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/site-of-the-month-for-september-2011/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 04:46:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/?p=36</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Site of the Month for September 2011 discusses Sailing Directory. Sailing Central includes gateway of useful information you need in sailing boats for sale, boat moving services, sailing classes, boating apparel &#038; gear, maintenance supplies, boat building, boat manufacturers &#038; marine electronics.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.sailingcentral.info/"><img src="http://www.sailingcentral.info/images/logotext.gif" alt="Sailing Directory" class="aligncenter"/></a><br />
Site of the Month for September 2011 discusses <a href="http://www.sailingcentral.info/">Sailing Directory</a>. Sailing Central includes gateway of useful information you need in sailing boats for sale, boat moving services, sailing classes, boating apparel &#038; gear, maintenance supplies, boat building, boat manufacturers &#038; marine electronics.</p>
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		<title>Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?</title>
		<link>http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/do-cruise-lines-welcome-families-with-kids/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/do-cruise-lines-welcome-families-with-kids/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 04:35:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Cruising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cruise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kid]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/?p=34</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Without question. cruising is not only a fabulous, unforgettable vacation full of cool, high adventure activities for kids, it&#8217;s also an unbelievable educational opportunity. If your children are active and love adventure, they will enjoy a cruise vacation. Most Resort/Contemporary and Premium Cruise Lines cater to and provide facilities and services for families with children [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Without question. cruising is not only a fabulous, unforgettable vacation full of cool, high adventure activities for kids, it&#8217;s also an unbelievable educational opportunity. If your children are active and love adventure, they will enjoy a cruise vacation.</p>
<p>Most Resort/Contemporary and Premium Cruise Lines cater to and provide facilities and services for families with children of all ages including toddlers, youth, tweens and teens. This includes expansive kids programming, kids facilities, kids menus and even special Shore Excursions and activities for the kids.</p>
<p>Most cruise lines have cabins that can accommodate three, four, or five passengers in one cabin. This means that children can often travel at substantially reduced rates when they share a cabin with their parents, making it more affordable to take the whole family on a cruise.</p>
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		<title>Sailing Holiday in Greece</title>
		<link>http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/sailing-holiday-in-greece/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/sailing-holiday-in-greece/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jun 2011 07:06:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sailing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ionian Islands]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sailing Holiday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/?p=29</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sailing in Greece is perfect when you are in the Ionian Islands. Ionian Islands is a group of islands located in the western portion of Greece. It is perfectly situated along the Ionian Sea on the coasts of Peloponnesus and Epirus. Its major islands are Paxos, Cythera, Ithaca, Lefkas, Zacynthus, Cephalonia, and Corfu. The islands [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sailing in Greece is perfect when you are in the Ionian Islands. Ionian Islands is a group of islands located in the western portion of Greece. It is perfectly situated along the Ionian Sea on the coasts of Peloponnesus and Epirus. Its major islands are Paxos, Cythera, Ithaca, Lefkas, Zacynthus, Cephalonia, and Corfu.</p>
<p>The islands first inhabitants were the Ancient Greeks. They first arrived to the islands probably near the beginning of the 9th or 10th century BC. However, it was later ruled by other western civilizations. Among them are the Roman (146 BC), Byzantium (300 AD), and the Venetian Empires (1204 AD). Subsequently, before it was acquired by Greece in 1864 and claimed the island as part of the country&#8217;s official territory, the island was earlier yielded to other countries. These include France (1807), Russia (1799), Turkey (1799), and the United Kingdom (1815).</p>
<p>Ionian Islands is also known as Eptanisa or the Seven Islands because of its 7 main islands. Because of its mild climate and nice ports, it became one of Greece&#8217;s most visited yacht charter areas along the east coast of the Mediterranean Sea.</p>
<p>When you are sailing in Greece, it is very common to sight gulet motorsailers, yachts, flotillas, and bareboats. If you are taking your holiday vacation with your kids or the whole family, sailing in Ionian Islands is ideal for you. This is because the islands has calm seas and gentle winds. Travelers who are not skilled in sailing can also take advantage of the islands perfect climate.</p>
<p>Sailing in Greece through the Ionian Islands is an ideal holiday vacation. The islands has several harbors and docks that can be used as a charter base. Preveza, Corfu, and Lefkas are Ionian Islands 3 yacht charter bases. From these 3 ports, the most visited and admired is the Lefkas harbor. Lefkas is characterized by its apt Mediterranean climate and interesting trekked mountains. Furthermore, its beaches have golden sand and full-size waves. Lefkas&#8217; most beautiful beaches include Perigiali, Nikiana, and Nidri.</p>
<p>On the other hand, some sailing tourists favor the Preveza port. It is located along the Amvrakia Gulf. The port is distinguished by its sturdy crosscurrent.</p>
<p>Sailing in Greece has never been this exciting. Aside from enjoying Ionian Islands scenic environment, you can also take pleasure in the island&#8217;s fascinating ancient histories.</p>
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		<title>Family Sailing Vacations Are Becoming Hot Holiday Trends</title>
		<link>http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/family-sailing-vacations-are-becoming-hot-holiday-trends/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/family-sailing-vacations-are-becoming-hot-holiday-trends/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jun 2011 07:45:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sailing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family Vacations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holiday Trend]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sailing Vacations]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/?p=27</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The current holiday trend among families is to go together on a family sailing vacation. The excitement of being secluded with the entire family on a single yacht in the middle of the ocean is incomparable with anything else. And being surrounded by picturesque locales is another added asset. More and more families today are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The current holiday trend among families is to go together on a family sailing vacation. The excitement of being secluded with the entire family on a single yacht in the middle of the ocean is incomparable with anything else. And being surrounded by picturesque locales is another added asset. More and more families today are going a-sailing together to celebrate occasions like birthdays, anniversaries and family get-togethers.</p>
<p>Many tourist agencies provide packages for family sailing vacations. The first step is in finding a properly sized yacht or catamaran to accommodate the entire family. A big enough yacht will also have rooms or cabins for the people on board. Food and drink is provided on board. There may also be provisions for live music and orchestras if the families so prefer. Some sailing vacations also hire emcees who coax the people to dance aboard in the style of cruises.</p>
<p>Families prefer to perform group activities when they are sailing together. Lonely islands are preferred for taking a break from sailing. They may indulge in beach-combing or even snorkeling and scuba diving if they are more adventurous. Family meals become a highly celebrated affair with local cuisine and folk dances thrown in.</p>
<p>Agencies that target family clientele try to provide activities for all the members. Children are provided inflatable water toys with which they can amuse themselves. Adults can enjoy different adventure sports while those not inclined to sports may simply enjoy the whole experience. Care is taken by the crew to keep everyone occupied.</p>
<p>Usually a family sailing vacation will have a crew on board, apart from the family itself. There might also be chefs and waiters along with artistes for entertainment. It all depends on how much the family is willing to have a vacation together. A family vacation may last from 3 to 7 days and the cost would depend on the number of people, number of days and the location.</p>
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		<title>Tips When Searching For the Best Sailboats</title>
		<link>http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/tips-when-searching-for-the-best-sailboats/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/tips-when-searching-for-the-best-sailboats/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 07 May 2011 06:58:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Types of Sailboats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brand]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Price]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sailboats]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/?p=24</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sailboats are fun, plain and simple. Any proud sail boats owner will tell you that powerboats just don&#8217;t give you the same thrill of being close to the water, feeling the wind in your hair and the ocean spray on your face. To buy a boat is the dream of many Americans, although it is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sailboats are fun, plain and simple. Any proud sail boats owner will tell you that powerboats just don&#8217;t give you the same thrill of being close to the water, feeling the wind in your hair and the ocean spray on your face. To buy a boat is the dream of many Americans, although it is not always practical. The care and cost of any boat exceeds reason if you live in a climate where you may only use your boat a couple times each year. It is a good idea to find a friend with a boat or take a sailing vacation, get your feet wet, before you leap into anything.</p>
<p>Length is one consideration when looking for a sailboat to buy. Remember that &#8220;size does matter&#8221; when it comes to boat prices. This is not just for the boat itself but also for the monthly docking charges at the marina. Of course, if you still want that ultra-long one but don&#8217;t want to pay the fees, then you can always grab a little rowboat and anchor your boat out in the bay. A small sailboat is better for day trips, sailing in regattas and zipping around.</p>
<p>However, if you plan to sail on longer journeys, then you will want to buy a boat that is sturdier and less likely to capsize. If you are plowing through choppy water, you will be more than glad you opted for the longer deck. Also, longer sail boats that range from 25 to 35 feet often include enough living space to travel, relax and take a break from the elements. Of course, you will need a helping hand if you buy a bigger one so be sure you have a committed partner before making your purchase.</p>
<p>You&#8217;ll also want to have a budget in mind while looking at sailboats. Brand new boats are expensive and usually do not come with sails, rigging equipment and other gear you will need to get your boating hobby started. On the other hand, used boats for sale can come with these extras and save you a lot of money. It makes sense to have an inspector check out your boat before you buy, just as you would have a home inspector look at a prospective house purchase. You should also check out the Blue Book value of your boat before you buy, as you would with a used automobile purchase.</p>
<p>Sail Magazine&#8217;s &#8220;Best Boats of 2009&#8243; can help you search the best sailboats. If you are looking for a long luxurious yacht of a sailboat, then the Outbound 52 is your sailing vessel, which also won the award for the &#8220;best deck/cockpit.&#8221; For a light-weight, high-performance catamaran, try the Moxie 37. Another high performing boat is the Santa Cruz 37.</p>
<p>For smaller sail boats that are less than 25 feet, the Bug is a fun ride. To cruise in style, the Hunter 50 has everything from a built-in coffee maker and extra linen storage to a swivel captain&#8217;s chair and Jacuzzi tub. The Tartan 5300 was chosen for &#8220;best system,&#8221; which has all the electrical controls within reach for quick access. Happy boat hunting!</p>
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		<title>Boating Supplies &#8211; Things To Remember While Stocking Your Boat</title>
		<link>http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/boating-supplies-things-to-remember-while-stocking-your-boat/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/boating-supplies-things-to-remember-while-stocking-your-boat/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 23 Apr 2011 06:40:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sailing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boating Supplies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cruising]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/?p=21</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[So you are all sunblocked up and ready for a relaxing day on the water with your friends and family. but not so fast! You may already have all the equipment and supplies needed to make the boat legal on the water, but what will you need to make the day fun and enjoyable for [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>So you are all sunblocked up and ready for a relaxing day on the water with your friends and family. but not so fast! You may already have all the equipment and supplies needed to make the boat legal on the water, but what will you need to make the day fun and enjoyable for everyone?</p>
<p>Well, consider first who will be coming with you on this trip? Is your family coming out with you, a bunch of your friends, or just you and your girl out on the lake for the day? There are different boating supplies needed for each. Also keep in mind how long you are staying out on the water. Is it a day out, or will you be camping out for a day or two?</p>
<p>If your family is coming with you, you should make sure that you bring enough boating supplies for everyone. Bring plenty of snack foods, and stuff for lunch. Kids always love chips and dips, but consider staying away from sodas. Having hyperactive children cooped up on a boat is no fun for anyone. Be sure that you bring plenty of water and juice to drink while on the water, as dehydration can happen pretty easily when out on the water all day.</p>
<p>If you are cruising with your friends for the day, bring whatever kind of stuff you all like to eat. A cheese and cracker platter can be good, and finger sandwiches like ham salad are a good choice as well. Just be sure and keep the supplies out of he sun and cool so they don&#8217;t spoil. Again, be sure to bring plenty to drink. Have plenty of beer in coolers, some wine coolers for the ladies, and some other non-alcoholic drinks for the non-drinkers and everyone else to rehydrate. Keep in mind that the captain of the boat should not be drinking, and you can get a boating while intoxicated just as easily as you can get a driving while intoxicated in your car.</p>
<p>If it is just you and your girl, you should bring much more romantic foods. Wines are always in order, and more expensive foods in general. Strawberries are great, especially with champagne and good cheeses. Seafood such as oysters or shrimp can complete the meal, as long as they are carefully stowed and kept cold beforehand. Candles can complete the atmosphere, floating on the water at dusk.</p>
<p>Any overnight trip will naturally require more boating supplies than a day trip. Plan for multiple meals for everyone coming with. Pack simple breakfast items like granola and fruit. A simple lunch is also recommended, such as sandwiches and chips.If you know your exact route, you can plan for dinner at a waterside restaurant, or stop somewhere and cook yourself. Don&#8217;t forget pack gear for sleeping as well, depending on where you will be sleeping at night.</p>
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		<title>Cruise Ship Fitness &#8211; Staying Fit While Cruising</title>
		<link>http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/cruise-ship-fitness-staying-fit-while-cruising/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/cruise-ship-fitness-staying-fit-while-cruising/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 29 Jun 2010 06:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gary Murphy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Cruising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ship]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/?p=17</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Here is a couple of quick tips for fitness and losing weight onboard your cruise. Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day &#8211; If you are new to exercise and feel inspired by your cruise to give it a try, you are already half way there. If you do not know how to put [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here is a couple of quick tips for fitness and losing weight onboard your cruise.</p>
<p>Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day &#8211; If you are new to exercise and feel inspired by your cruise to give it a try, you are already half way there. If you do not know how to put together an effective weight loss program on your own, or if you are a looking for a quality diet and exercise program you can follow, nearly all ships have fitness instructors to help you. Most ships have fully equipped gymnasiums with weights, cardio machines and a host of exercise classes like Aerobics, Pilates, Yoga etc.</p>
<p>If you want a shortcut to burning fat fast, train in the morning before breakfast. If you train when you first wake up, your body starts burning fat faster than it would after you eat. The reason being is, your body has been fasting all night; hence it has less energy to use before it starts burning fat. </p>
<p>So if it normally takes your body 20 minutes of exercise before it starts burning fat, it may only take 10 minutes in the morning. Therefore, a 30 minute workout becomes a lot more beneficial for burning fat in the morning than the afternoon or evening. And considering your days will be filled with sightseeing, and your nights with eating, drinking and entertaining, the morning is also the most convenient time to train.</p>
<p>Keep busy &#8211; On cruises nowadays, there is always something to do onboard, so it should not be too hard to keep yourself occupied. This will keep you from getting bored and take your attention away from eating. Depending on your ship, there could be fitness classes, dancing, rock climbing, ice skating, surfing, golf and miniature golf, inline skating, basketball, volleyball tournaments, dodge ball tournaments, and soccer just to name a few. The ships daily planner will outline different fitness activities and wellness seminars you can do. Take advantage of these to learn more about staying healthy. This will not only keep you motivated but give you valuable education to serve you long after your cruise. Want more cruise ship tips for staying healthy onboard.</p>
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		<title>Before Buying A Boat</title>
		<link>http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/before-buying-a-boat/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/before-buying-a-boat/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 03:52:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kevin Kelly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sailing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sail Boats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sail Boats For Sale]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/?p=16</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[From time immemorial, people have been using sail boats for travel as well as pleasure. Sailboats can catch your fancy any day and leave you mesmerized and so blissfully happy. If you own a boat for longtime then you will certainly know that owning a boat is a costlier affair. Making choices, which keep not [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>From time immemorial, people have been using <a href="http://www.boatstobuy.com.au/sail_boat/">sail boats</a>  for travel as well as pleasure. Sailboats can catch your fancy any day and leave you mesmerized and so blissfully happy.</p>
<p>If you own a boat for longtime then you will certainly know that owning a boat is a costlier affair. Making choices, which keep not only the outlay of your first buy, but as well the long-standing value of ownership, sound within you monetary means are one of the vital factors of maintaining the happiness in boating. It’s extremely tricky to take pleasure in your boat if it becomes any unpredicted sap on your monetary resources. When you are purchasing your initial boat, or are creating a substantial increase in size, the subsequent are few of significant points, which must be cautiously measured to assist you, attain utmost enjoyment in your purchase.</p>
<p>Primary Cost is one of the most chief deliberations when maintaining the complete cost of your buy well inside your monetary means. Other considerations are repeatedly unnoticed when buying a fresh boat is what the boat would be value a few years afterward in the occasion, which you unexpectedly require to settle. It is known that the time we drive a fresh bought car out of the dealer, it at once loses 25% or in fact more of its value. One of the most horrible places you could be in is simply to have liquidate and finding, which your responsibility is more than your justice. This is particularly vital if you are buying a used boat. Bank recoveries hit an unparalleled high in 1992 and the bulk was older other than new vessels.</p>
<p>More and more, boat and yacht builders are giving way to promotion fads, forgoing quality for look, style over security and purpose. Increasingly boat builders turn to designers of style in an attempt to trap the inexpert into maintaining up with the latest chic offerings. Succumbing to method over stuff could be a bit costly error when, a few years down the line, when the fashionable boat design is out of fashion and all that display area glitz and surface shine turns to decompose and corrosion under the effects of the unsympathetic marine environment.</p>
<p>Find many sail boats for sale at <a href="http://www.boatstobuy.com.au/sail_boat/">Boats To Buy</a> . All from Boats To Buy, your Australian online boat sales classifieds and marine shopping for new and used boats for sale. Sail boat yachts and motor yachts from all the great manufacturers for sale.</p>
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		<title>Gifts For Sailboat Owners</title>
		<link>http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/gifts-for-sailboat-owners/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/gifts-for-sailboat-owners/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:44:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Johnson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sailboat Supplies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sailboats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sailing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sailing Craft]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/?p=15</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sailboaters and nautical enthusiasts love t shirts and other items that display their favorite type of sailboat, sailing event or nautical slogan. There are endless designs to choose from, varying from simple text only slogans to designs that depict several sailboat designs. Simple line art logos depicting common sailing vessels are also popular on t-shirts [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sailboaters and nautical enthusiasts love t shirts and other items that display their favorite type of sailboat, sailing event or nautical slogan. There are endless designs to choose from, varying from simple text only slogans to designs that depict several sailboat designs. Simple line art logos depicting common sailing vessels are also popular on t-shirts for sailors. In addition to t-shirts, online sailing gift shops offer golf shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, raglan jerseys, tank tops, sleeveless tees and other gifts. There are many types of sailboats, some types carry a single person and others carry more than one person. Sailboats are mostly classified by their sail configuration, type of hull, keel and masts. Sailboats, which are classified by sail configuration are as follows:</p>
<p>Sloop designs are the most common variety of sailboat, The term sloop originates from the Dutch word slope. This design utilizes a mainsail and foresail with one mast. Sloops usually bend only one headsail, though this distinction is not definitive. Unlike cutters, sloops usually have only one headsail, though some sloops such as the Friendship Sloop have more than one sail. Sloops are popular with sport sailors, yachtsmen and as racing craft. Cutters are very similar to a sloop with a single mast and a mainsail. The cutter generally carries the mast further aft to allow for the use of two headsails attached towing forestays, the head stay and the inner stay carry the jib and staysail respectively. This is rarely considered a racing configuration; however, it gives much versatility to cruising boats, especially when there are high wind conditions.</p>
<p>Catboats today are used as a pleasure craft for day sailing. 19th century catboats were also used for racing. Ketch designs are sailing craft with two masts: a main mast, and a shorter mizzen. Both masts are rigged mainly fore-and-aft. Ketch boats are very popular among long distance cruisers. The additional sail allows for a better balance. Another popular sailboat configuration is the schooner. A schooner can have two or more masts. The second mast is at least as tall as the first mast. Sailboats are also classified by hull type. Most sailboats are built with a mono or a single hull. However, some boats are built as multi hull boats. These include catamaran and tri-maran vessels. When comparing a mono hull boat to multi-hull boat acceleration is much different. In a multi-hull boat acceleration to a top speed is very quick and almost instantaneous.</p>
<p>Sailing requires a high level of experience and skill. Crew must be able to quickly change rigs, rudder and dagger to change the speed and direction of the boat in a variety of sea conditions. In addition to steering the boat and managing the sails, crew must also have at least basic knowledge of some of the skills that are normally the responsibility of the captain. These can include weather forecasting, navigation, emergency repairs, marine electronics, first aid and others. </p>
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		<title>Buying Your First Sailboat</title>
		<link>http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/buying-your-first-sailboat/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/buying-your-first-sailboat/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2009 07:13:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alan Smith</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sailboat Supplies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cruising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sailboat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sport]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sailinggateway.com/blog/?p=14</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sailing is great. You become part of the environment around you as you capture the winds energy and move ahead. There are all types of sailboats. Generally speaking, there are cruisers, racers, cruiser-racers, center cockpits and pilothouses. If you are a first timer, there is no better time to jump into one. Prices are down [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sailing is great. You become part of the environment around you as you capture the winds energy and move ahead. There are all types of sailboats. Generally speaking, there are cruisers, racers, cruiser-racers, center cockpits and pilothouses. If you are a first timer, there is no better time to jump into one. Prices are down and deals are for the making!  You have to look at the different types available and find what makes you feel comfortable. How it looks, how the cockpit feels and the cabin below will influence your decision. The cruiser type sailboat ranging between 25- 30 feet is a common first sailboat, because they are easier to handle for the inexperienced sailor.</p>
<p>When you are more experienced, your choice becomes refined. You start where you feel comfortable, just as you would with a car, and, after a while, you may like cruising and go for a larger sailboat with more speed and comfort. Or you may turn to racing – a great sport the whole family can enjoy. You learn quite a bit about sail handling and usually join the club. They may have cookouts and activities lined up the year through. There are racing machine sailboats out there in all sizes, but with sparse interiors, less weight and more speed. But a new breed of sailboats has been coming out, getting better year after year. It is the racer-cruiser, capturing the best of both worlds.</p>
<p>Center cockpit sailboats present the deck forward and aft with the steering towards the center of the sailboat. This configuration allows you and your guests to relax in the stern area of your sailboat rather than everyone being in the cockpit. The stern railing usually has built in seating and some also have deck mats to layout and get a tan. Below there is your cabin made up of your salon (living room), forward stateroom (bedroom), with a head (bathroom), and to the rear of the salon there is another stateroom with an ensuite head. This area is usually large and enticing, depending how large the sailboat is. </p>
<p>The pilothouse is a nice change. This type of sailboat features an aft cockpit with steering and, if the weather gets bad or if it is raining, you can duck in to the cabin ahead, which is usually raised and also contains a cockpit. That becomes your salon with another cabin area further ahead and below. Sleeping accommodations are in the salon like all sailboats and also up forward. The pilothouse gives you great visibility and everything can be handled out of the weather.</p>
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