Easy and safe moorings for yachts cruising the Höga Kusten [GÄSTHAMN]

To daily or long distance sailors visiting the area of the Skuleberget mountain and the Skuleskogen national park during their holidays in the High Coast, the guest harbor in Docksta provides over 15 single berths for boats of any sizes.

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At your arrival at Docksta Havet gästhamn, if possible, we assist you during your approach at the harbour and help you while you are mooring your boat.

We assign your own berthing space, so you not have to share the space on the dock with another boat.

Yachts can safely & easily docking in 3 ways:

 1#
between y-booms mooring:

There are 10 single berths between y-booms (8m) which have different widths: from 3.3m to 4.6m. All seats on the floating docks have deep water and are suitable for mooring sailboats with bulb keels.

2#
berthing alongside the main pier:

Alongside the southerly section of the main pier, the water is deep to easily moor a sailing or motor boat even more than 55/60'. We reserve the northerly section of the pier for motor yachts only.

3#
docking external on the floathing wharfs, alongside the south side of the pontoons:

Moorings are well protected from the main winds. Southerly winds form small waves in the Dockstafjärden.

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All boats places have proper marine bollards or eye bolts suitable for safely mooring pleasure boats.

We assign the boat places considering the boat dimensions in relation with the spaces availability, but also the winds conditions or, when is possible, to facilitate the crew in getting on and off the boat on the piers (mooring alongside).

If you want information or have specific needs, you can contact us; if we are on the docks when you arrive, talk with us before starting mooring.

If you’re concerned about the ability of your crew to maneuver into the allocated berth, it’s worth asking for an alternative.

Please note, some berths that may seem available because they are not occupied, may actually be booked: if possible, we indicate them with a "booked" sign :)

Know where you are berthing your boat

For Sailors visiting our marina for the first time, here is the layout of the pontoons - and the berth numbering system used.

With this information at hand, when you call us to book your berth - if you're directed into somewhere like: "First pontoon, berth nr. 03 between y-booms" or "alongside the main pier" - you can figure out exactly where you're going :)

DOCK YOUR BOAT AT A SAFE GÄSTHAMN

In case you’re wondering why sailors need a safe harbor: a safe harbor is the guarantee of a safe place to dock your boat without having to worry about the rough waters, bad weather conditions or other yachts moored nearby.

In a safe harbor, you can kick back, relax, and enjoy your stay at the marina without safety concerns.

Docksta Havet Gästhamn is one of the harbor in the Höga Kusten with the safest moorings where to berth a yacht. It’s a sailors friendly marina located in Docksta in the heart the High Coast World Heritage.

Our marina is nestled deeper in the cove, providing your boat with more protection since the hills protect the piers, waves are not so big and there is less wind. So if you’re on the hunt for a safe harbor during your sailing holiday in the Hüoga Kusten, your are welcome! :)

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BOOK A SPOT? CALL US (076) 3136628

 

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How to reach the Skuleskogen National Park by bus from Docksta

Skuleskogen National Park: overview of the High Coast archipelago from Slåttdalsberget hill.

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It is easier to reach the Skuleskogen from the marina in Docksta. If your are cruising the Höga Kusten, leave your boat safely moored, take the bus and take your walk to the national park.

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Overview of Docksta Havet guest harbour. Photo © Courtesy of Mia Wålsten S/Y Atla3

At Docksta Havet sailors find dedicated services and moorings to safely leave their boat during their exploring walks of the surroundings.

From the pier of Docksta Havet, now you can head to the nearest park entrances (named “Entré Syd” and “Entré Väst”) also by bus.

The southerly entrance of Skuleskogen is the nearest to the Slåttdals crevice (Slåttdalskrevan).

The bus line is called Världsarvsbussen and the bus ticket is free.

The nearest bus stops from the marina in Docksta are:

“Busshpl E4:an Docksta” (Docksta Marina) that is just 50m from our guest harbour, and “Friluftsbyn” or “Skuleberget Naturum”.

From there the bus takes you to the Skuleskogens Nationalpark, where start the well marked paths of varying degrees of difficulty that lead you to everything worth seeing, within forests, hills, bays.

TIMETABLE 2023 of the bus service to the Skuleskogen National Park during the summer

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Tidtabell Världsarvsbussen 2023: Tidtabell för sommartrafik vid Skuleberget, alla dagar 1 july - 6 augusti 2023. Source: www.hogakusten.com/en/world-heritage-bus

Main attractions are: Hiking on The spectacular views over the national park´s dramatic landscape and the surrounding High Coast.

The 7 meters wide, 30 meters deep “Hell Gab” crevice, which cleaves the Slåttdal mountain in two.

Skuleskogen is one of the few remaining large, ancient forests of the coastal region. The red coloured Nordingrå granite cliffs, the large uplift coast and the coniferous forest, with rare species of lichens, characterize per park.

Hang your #HÖGAKUSTEN passion on a wall:

Safe moorings near Skuleberget & Skuleskogen natural areas

Discover a dedicated range of facilities for sailors >

Play to sail: flags and starting signals of a rc sailing race made easy

Focus:

How to become confident with the starting procedures of a radio sailing regatta

RC Sailors race their radio-controlled sailboats under the Racing Rules of Sailing, as changed by a dedicated appendix: this previous blog post highlighted 10 essential basic rules on which a regatta is based.

The racing rules of radio sailing set a sequence of visual signals and sound signals (to indicate flag changes) to warn sailors of the departure of a regatta.

This diagram shows the International Code of Signals with flags that are used to manage sailing racing.

At the start, all signals - the timing count down particularly - shall be made orally or by other audible sounds.

Rc sailing races shall be started using these signals at one- minute intervals:

• WARNING

• PREPARTORY

• STARTING

(each signal shall be timed from the beginning of its sound).

RC sailing practiciants very offen set the warning, preparatory and starting moments with vocal warnings only. This is allowed by the changes of the appendix of the sailing rules: no visual signals are required unless specified in the sailing instructions.

During the (preparatory) minute before the starting signal, additional sound or oral signals shall be made at ten-second intervals: 50” … 40” … 30” … 20”…

During the final ten seconds at one-second intervals: 10 . 9 . 8 . 7 . 6 . 5 . 4 . 3 . 2 . 1 . START (vocal or sound starting signal).

At Play2Sail Academy, we usually prefere to adopt the procedure for start that integrates visual signals (flags) and the sounds, following what happens during a big boats race: this because for any sailor, flags are a (fun) piece of the game and we like to keep the mood.

Sail races are governed with flags.

At Play2Sail Arena, the sailors can see the simple diagram that explains the starting instructions, with flags and sounds signals (and all the diagrams of the racing courses) on our "notice of race board".

The notice of race board is easily accessible and clearly visible within the "control area" on the pier: it is placed on a wall of the docks (a magic place to sit with a cup of coffee during the day looking at Dockstafjärden and the DF65 sailboats in action :) close to the racing area where the marks of sailing course are just few meters far and not so far from the "launching area" that is located at the very beginning of the floating wharfs.

What happens with flags and sounds at the start, and during the pre-start of a rc sailing race?

During a race and for any signal concerning the race, these flags are defined in the Racing Rules of Sailing but the signal can be modified by the Sailing Instructions that you will receive at your regatta.

The raising (hoisting) or removing of a flag (visual signal) is accompanied by the emission of a sound signal to draw attention to the new signal.

The type of the sound signal (one short sound, two short sounds, one long sound, etc.) is described by the rule according to the type of signal.

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If during a race between sailboats (with crew on board :) flags are usually exposed on the mast of the race committee boat, in rc sailing the flags are usually showed near the starting line at the ground.

•

Like with big sailboats, rc sail races shall be started by using the following signals and times shall be taken from the visual signals (the absence of a sound signal shall be disregarded).

The start procedure that we adopt for sail racing at Play2Sail Arena is showed below.

Rc Sailing Race Starting Procedure

The flags indicate the countdown to the start:

The arrow pointing up or down means that a flag is displayed or removed.

A dot “•” means a sound, a long dash “-” means a long sound, and they indicate the number of sounds signals.

WARNING SIGNALS

3 minutes remaining = "Class" flag up (the “•” indicates the number of sounds signals)

2 minutes remaining = "P" flag up (the “•” indicates the number of sounds signals)

PREPARATORY SIGNALS

1 minute remaining = "P" flag down (the “-” indicates the number of sounds signals)

STARTING SIGNALS

at the START = “Class" flag down (the “-” indicates the number of sounds signals)

During the “preparatory” minute before the starting signal, we count down at ten-second intervals, and during the final ten seconds at one-second intervals.

•

Flags are used also to show which kind of course the competitors have to sail.

At Radio Sailing Arena, we use:

"W" flag for the Windward-Leeward course

"T" flag for the Triangle

"O" flag for the Olympic

"A" flag for the P2S Arena course

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•

There are flags to remember the side boats have to round the floating marks:

• the RED flag indicates to keep the marks to port (to the left)

• the GREEN flag to keep them to starboard (to the right)

•

There are flags used as recall (visual) signals:

• X flag means individual recall

  It is displayed (with • one sound) when one or more boats did not start correctly and must return and do a proper start. The X flag shall be displayed until all such boats have sailed completely to the pre-start side of the of the starting line. The sound signal is in addition to the start sound signal.

• First Substitute pennant means general recall, the flag is displayed with •• two sounds (one sound when lowered).

  A general recall may occur when at the starting signal the race committee is unable to identify boats that are on the course side over the starting line, or subject to one of the starting penalties, or there has been an error in the starting procedure.
  All boats have to return and then a new start sequence will begin. The new warning signal shall be made 1 minute after the first substitute signal is removed (one sound). The two sound signals when the first substitute is displayed are in addition to the start sound signal.

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•

Be aware of the signals (flags & sounds) during your start execution is key

• to control the temporal and spatial positioning of your yacht in relation with the wind, the race course and opponents at any moment of pre-start and at the start

• to manage to achieve the preferred starting position of your rc yacht

• to have full control of the speed of the hull on the water

In any race, you need that the start of your sailboat is successful vs. your competitors.

Play2Sail suggests you this reading:

STARTING STRATEGY BASICS FOR RADIO SAILING RACING

READ MORE >

In rc sailing, a heat is usually a short race: this puts a lot of weight on the gain of any early advantage.

At the start, you need to sail in your desired position at maximum speed across the line, with an immediate focus on the sail set-up.
 

Talking about how to get the best racing your fast radio-controlled sailboat, we published another blog post where you will find basic tactics and advices to enjoy your first regatta.

Elevate your RC Sailing skills:
Free resources at your fingertips >

As a skilled sailor, you know the value of continuous learning. Access our advanced free online resources to refine your techniques and build your confidence with expert insights. No fees, no membership - just pure learning and fun. Discover Play2Sail Academy today!

To learn easily everything you need to start sailing (faster) your radio-controlled yacht, Play2Sail Radio Sailing Academy shares a complete e-manual that collects the fundamental knowledges, handy diagrams, tips and advice that will improve your skills.

DOWNLOAD THE P2S RADIO SAILING MANUAL NOW >

(because sailing learning doesn’t have to be complicated! ;)

Sailors from 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇦🇺🇸🇪🇳🇿🇨🇦🇿🇦🇳🇱🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇳🇭🇰 have already downloaded it.

DEEPEN RC SAILING WITH OUR BLOG POSTS:

SHARER YOUR #YACHTING PASSION:

Play to sail: your first rc sailing regatta made easy

Here we share some fundamentals of sail racing, basic rules and easy tactics guidelines to get the best racing your fast radio-controlled sailboat in joying your first regatta.

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5 tips to focus the first sailing race

•tip•

Be prepared for this event in advance. Practice, practice, practice on water… tacks, gybes, mark roundings, sail trim and boat handling, run through as many points of sail - shifting from upwind, work to reaching and running downwind...

•tip•

Don’t let distractions interfere with your "mission" to sail your rc yacht fast. This means to stay focused on boat handling, steering and trimming sails for maximum efficiency.

•tip•

Plan ahead and anticipate upcoming situations: at the start, at the marks roundings, when other boats are getting closer...

•tip•

Avoid collisions with other yachts, know the rules and stay in control of your boat (and what happens around).

•tip•

Fully enjoy the pressure that prepares you at the sail racing game!

4 pillars to join, and enjoy your first sailing race

1#

Basic tactics to have your boat full ahead at the start

 Get this Poker after the start!

Crossing as soon as possible the starting line after the starting signal:

1. sail in clear air

2. have good speed

3. be on the preferred side of the line

4. be on the right tack.

Play2Sail suggests you this readings:

starting strategy basics for radio sailing racinG

READ MORE >

 

Be aware of the signals (flags & sounds) during your start execution is key

Read more >

2#

Basic advices to properly sail the wind shifts

When sailing racing, wind shifts are a main strategic and tactical factor because they can interfere in different ways on the direction the boat is sailing and because they create opportunities to gain - or to lose distance on the opponent boats

Play2Sail suggests you this reading:

If the direction of the wind is changing, a lift or a header will affect your boat

Read more >

3#

You're sail racing, search for the best wind over the race course

Play2Sail suggests you this reading:

How to make your boat sailing faster, catching the opportunities that the wind offers

Read more >

4#

Basic Rules of Sailing Racing to be aware

There are essential rules on which a regatta is based, but are at least ten the mandatory sail racing rules that you need to master (to be prepared, have fun and… to avoid collisions ;)

Play2Sail suggests you this reading:

Know the rules that set the rights of way between sailboats when racing

Read more >

Now is the day of your first regatta

Here are just few (last) advices:

• Arrive at the racing area early (really early)

• Read the sailing instructions and check the notice board

• Talk and share experiences with nearby skippers

• Figure out the wind and tune your boat for the conditions

• Watch what other sailors do (and learn why they do it)

• Always sail with common sense, safety, and good sportsmanship.

• Stay calm. Mistakes - and learning from them - are part of this game.

• Have fun. (Most important)

Elevate your RC Sailing skills:
Free resources at your fingertips >

As a skilled sailor, you know the value of continuous learning. Access our advanced free online resources to refine your techniques and build your confidence with expert insights. No fees, no membership - just pure learning and fun. Discover Play2Sail Academy today!

To learn easily everything you need to start sailing (faster) your radio-controlled yacht, Play2Sail Radio Sailing Academy shares a complete e-manual that collects the fundamental knowledges, handy diagrams, tips and advice that will improve your skills.

DOWNLOAD THE P2S RADIO SAILING MANUAL NOW >

(because sailing learning doesn’t have to be complicated! ;)

Sailors from 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇦🇺🇸🇪🇳🇿🇨🇦🇿🇦🇳🇱🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇳🇭🇰 have already downloaded it.

Share your sail RACING passion at coffee time:

How to sail made easy: 3 key knowledges to start radio sailing

Are you ready to sail with your glossy brand new radio-controlled yacht? Want to get started in your first practice on water?

Play2Sail Radio Sailing Academy highlights some fast learning resources focusing whom just beginning radio sailing but providing meanwhile the right first steps to master the art of yachting.

To understand wind, points of sail, how to handle the hull direction on the water are the key knowledges to start sailing.

[ Radio Sailing Basics ]

The 3 practical fundamentals to start sailing

1#

Your rc sailboat has no engine, it is powered by the wind.

Your yacht has sails, that are powered by the wind to generate forces to move the hull forward in the water. 

Play2Sail suggests you this reading:

4 easy ways to check from which direction the wind is blowing 

Read more >

If you know the wind direction, you will “capture” it effectively, tuning the sails and steering your boat in the right point of sail.

2#

In relation to the wind, you control the movement of the hull toward a certain direction.

Play2Sail suggests you this reading:

how to HEAD your boat TO A DESTINATION KEEPING THE PROPER POINTS OF SAIL

Read more >

to learn - with handful diagrams - the points of sails for different boat directions and the right sails angle relative to the wind.

3#

The basic sailing maneuvers are controlled by rudder and sails, by trimming them and steering.

Play2Sail suggests you this reading:

4 basic actions to master steering your sailboat

Read more >

to learn how to to direct, move, accelerate, change direction, stop, luff or bear away.

To learn easily everything you need to start sailing your radio-controlled yacht, Play2Sail Radio Sailing Academy shares a practical resource dedicated for those just beginning rc yachting and by more advanced sailors: a complete e-manual that collects the fundamental knowledges, handy diagrams, tips and advice.

DOWNLOAD THE MANUAL NOW > (because sailing learning doesn’t have to be complicated! ;)

Sailors from 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇦🇺🇸🇪🇳🇿🇨🇦🇿🇦🇳🇱🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇳🇭🇰 have already downloaded it.

SHARE YOUR SAILING PASSION AT COFFEE TIME:

Everything you need to learn to start sailing a radio controlled yacht

New in RC sailing? Want to get started in your first practice on water?

“Learning how to sail doesn't have to be complicated!”

To help you be fully prepared for this challenge, at Play2Sail Radio Sailing Academy we've packaged a complete e-manual with simply everything you need to know to get started in the art of yachting but focusing on rc sailing.

Elevate your RC Sailing skills:
Free resources at your fingertips >

As a skilled sailor, you know the value of continuous learning. Access our advanced free online resources to refine your techniques and build your confidence with expert insights. No fees, no membership - just pure learning and fun. Discover Play2Sail Academy today!

For a comprehensive deep dive, our e-manual is available for purchase, offering in deep knowledge and expert advice to take your skills to the next level.

• The Play2Sail e-manual Is a digital publication that is downloadable in a printable .pdf format file. Sailors from 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇦🇺🇸🇪🇳🇿🇨🇦🇿🇦🇳🇱🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇳🇭🇰 have already downloaded it.

The e-manual provides you with smart "how to sail" resources to make sailing easy.

You can learn a lot very quickly and get the most of the enjoyment on the water!

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This smart e-guide collected for you the fundamental knowledges, handy diagrams, helpful tips and practical advices that Play2Sail Radio Sailing Academy shares with those just beginning yachting and by more advanced sailors.

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The sailing e-manual is divided into thematic chapters (you can also print them into handy sheets - A4 size)

WHAT YOU GET:

How to start sailing from practical fundamentals:

• Check the direction of the wind first

• You can’t direct the wind but you can adjust the sails (diagram)

• Use wind and sails to move a boat to the direction needed

• 4 key basic actions to master steering your radio-controlled sailboat

• Trimming to make your radio-controlled sailboat run fast

• 30 common sayings of basic yachting terminology

• When radio sailing, the radio unit provides you with control over your sailboat: on the rudder and sail trim

How to improve your confidence practicing on water:

• Steering your sailboat using the remote controlled commands

• How to leave and return to the pier with a radio-controlled sailboat

• There are 4 different race courses to sail at the Play2Sail Arena

How to get started into sail racing:

• How best to manage to sail the wind shifts steering your radio sailboat

• Fast sailing is a matter of more wind

• Play2Sail ranking (sheet)

• 10 basic rules of sailing racing your radio yacht

Sailing learning made easy and simple: download the Play2Sail e-manual and improve your skills fast!

HOW TO RADIO SAILING

€6.00

[ E-MANUAL ]

DOWNLOAD >

Play2Sail manual is dedicated to beginners and rc yachtsmen passionate that want an easy way to review the basics: it will make you a better rc sailor!

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How COVID-19 impacts sailing in the High Coast and at our guest harbor

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a dramatic effect on people’s health and on our lives globally.

Recreational boating activities around the Baltic Sea have been affected as well by the restrictions and directives regarding COVID-19 that have been introduced by the governments of many countries.

RED = Closed/Highly Restricted
ORANGE = Restrictions
GREEN = Open
GREY = Non-coastal countries, not reported here

“COVID-19 restrictions” mean that in many countries cruising is severely restricted or currently prohibited. Countries neighboring Sweden (Denmark, Norway and Finland) have also introduced restrictions. In Sweden, there is not a ban on cruising but people were asked to restrict non-essential travel.

The Cruising Association is providing relevant & updated information at these page links:

It’s important that we all - as sailors & citizens - do our part:

• by protecting people's health - especially within local communities

• by following the recommendations of the health authorities that aim to fight back against the spread of COVID-19

• by acting in accordance with their recommendations regarding travel and public gatherings in the country

• by following the government advice to discourage non-essential travel.

We are aware that COVID-19 presents an unprecedented challenge to our guest harbor since we relaunched the marina in Docksta fifteen years ago in 2006.
 

Under the circumstances and in light of the COVID-19 situation, which continues to rapidly evolve, with regret, we inform Friends and Sailors that we’ll be not able to start the 2020 season at Docksta Havet Base Camp and to let any mooring during the summer.

Our office, the Sailor's Club House and the Service House, will be closed, including our moorings on floating wharfs and on the main piers.
 

Please note that any kind of mooring, even temporarily, will be not allowed during the summer period May/September 2020.

Any activities within the entire area of our guest harbour - like exhibits or pop-up activities, the Play2Sail Arena and radio-sailing school - will be temporarily suspended.

For any kind of help or info, please get in touch with us.

Play to sail: 10 basic rules of sailing racing your radio yacht

There are some essential rules on which a regatta of sailboats is based.

A basic principle for which the rules of sailing are applied is to avoid collisions. They can also be seen as a fundamental tool to guarantee everyone entertainment as part of a sailing race, which includes a departure, a performance and an arrival.

There are general rules that every sailor should keep in mind:

• Always sail with common sense, safety, and good sportsmanship.

• Right-of-way is not excuse to cause a collision. All boats (sailors) are required by rule to avoid a collision if possible.

• A sailboat in motion shall keep clear of a stopped yacht.

• After finishing your race, keep clear of the course and of other boats still racing.

Elevate your RC Sailing skills:
Free resources at your fingertips >

As a skilled sailor, you know the value of continuous learning. Access our advanced free online resources to refine your techniques and build your confidence with expert insights. No fees, no membership - just pure learning and fun. Discover Play2Sail Academy today!

For a comprehensive deep dive, our e-manual is available for purchase, offering in deep knowledge and expert advice to take your skills to the next level.

DOWNLOAD the PLAY2SAIL manual >

Sailors from 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇦🇺🇸🇪🇳🇿🇨🇦🇿🇦🇳🇱🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇳🇭🇰 have already downloaded it.

Focus: 

These following rules aim to set the rights of way between sailboats when racing.

Basic Rules of Sailing Racing to be aware

Especially when sailboats meet along the course and during the turning points around the floating marks.

[ Radio Sailing Basics ]
 

1.

When sailboats are on opposite tacks, the port tack boat must keep clear of the starboard tack boat.

Share this rule on your coffee mug:

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"RULES OF SAILING RACING 1"

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2.

On the same tack and overlapped, the windward boat must keep clear of the leeward boat.

3.

On the same tack and not overlapped, the boat clear astern must keep clear of the boat clear ahead. Any vessel overtaking another shall keep clear.

4.

A boat that begins the process of tacking or gybing must keep clear of boats that are on a tack, not tacking or gybing. If you are tacking you lose your rights until you are settled on a close-hauled course.

5.

When a boat acquires the right-of-way (such as gybing her boom to a starboard tack), this boat must initially give the other boats room to keep clear. After a brief period of time, the boat can exercise her newly acquired rights.

6.

When a right-of-way boat changes course (even a little bit), this boat must initially give the other boat room to keep clear. You cannot quickly change your course to force another boat into a foul.

7.

If a boat comes from behind you and begins to overtake your boat from the leeward side, and if that boat is within 2 boat lengths off your leeward side as it begins to overlap you, that boat is not allowed to sail above its proper course. In other words, it is not allowed to push you up into the no-go zone.

8.

When boats are overlapped approaching a turning mark, the outside boat must give the inside boat enough room to round, provided that the overlap was established before the lead boat entered the 4 boat-length zone.

This rule does not apply at a starting mark as boats are approaching the start. The inside overlap boat does not have rights to room at the starting mark.

This rule does apply at the finishing mark. A boat that has established inside overlap prior to the 4-boat-length zone must be given room to finish.

 
9.

You must round all marks in the direction specified (by race committee), and you must not touch a mark.

The penalty for touching a mark is one full penalty turn (360 degrees). 

10.

A boat may take a two-turns penalty (720 degrees) when she may have broken one or more rules, (except #9 above which is one full penalty turn).

How a boat must conduct her penalty? After getting well clear to avoid impeding other boats, making the required number of turns in the same direction, each turn including one tack and one gybe. When? As soon after the incident as possible.

When a boat takes the penalty at or near the finishing line, she shall sail completely to the course side of the line before finishing.

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Sailboat racing - radio yachting particularly - is a self-regulated sport.

A fundamental principle of sportsmanship is that when a competitor breaks a rule he will promptly take a penalty, which may be, depending on the nature of the infraction, either performing one or two turns.

The rules, applied during a regatta of radio models, are identical to those adopted for traditional sailboats.

RC Sailors race their radio-controlled sailboats under the Racing Rules of Sailing, as changed by a dedicated appendix.

The Racing Rules of Sailing refers to the international regulation updated - by the International Yacht Racing Union (IYRU) - concurrently with the end of the four-year Olympic period.

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It is not necessary to know all of the rules (In total there are 91 rules but only 15 rules govern what boats do when they meet on the water) to successfully compete in a radio models race, but a knowledge of the basics is recommended and helpful to properly adopt the tactics to enjoy racing against your opponents.

The racing rules of radio sailing set a sequence of visual signals and sound signals to warn sailors of the departure of a regatta. We suggest you this blog post: how to become confident with the starting procedures of a radio sailing regatta

The most important behaviors to adopt when sail racing are:

• to carefully watch out for other boats;

• don’t push the rules too hard;

• give way if another sailboat has the right of way.

It’s simple. Isn’t it? :)

Best way to master these rules is to practice while sailing.

At the Radio Sailing Arena, you can rent fast radio sailboats and train your crew sailing on different race courses within marks: a smart way to focus on sail racing rules and race management, boat positioning, tactics.

HOW TO RADIO SAILING

€6.00

[ E-MANUAL ]

DOWNLOAD >

Learning to sail made easy and simple: download the Play2Sail e-manual and quickly improve your skills!

Play to sail: basic yachting terminology

The meaning of this post is to share a correct way to talk about sailing and sailboats.

Sailors have been developed specific languages: it's fun because you can recognize a racing sailor or a cruiser not only by how they dress but above all by how they speak! So, to express yourself at best on board or on the dock, from the beginning start to master the right words.

30 common sayings of basic yachting terminology
 

• BOW - The front of the boat.

• STERN - The back of the boat (the stern is also known as the aft).

• HULL - The body of the boat.

• DECK - The upper surface of the hull.

• KEEL - A weighted blade that protrudes from the bottom of the hull as a means of providing lateral stability.

• RUDDER - The hinged vertical blade mounted at the stern used as a steering device.

• MAST - Vertical spar (a pole) that supports sails or rigging. 

• BOOM - It’s the horizontal pole which extends from the bottom of the mast. A radio-controlled sailboat has a jib boom and a mainsail boom that are adjusted in relation of the direction of the wind to harness its power in order to move the hull forward.

• MAINSAIL - It is the big sail located behind the mast of a sailboat.

• JIB - The triangular sail at the front of a sailboat.

• HALYARD - A line used to raise the head of any sail.

• SHEET - A rope used to control the setting of a sail in relation to the direction of the wind.

• ROPES - All cordage, the lines in the rigging. 

• MAINSHEET - Sail control line that allows to trim the mainsail: it is used to control the angle of the boom, and thereby the mainsail.

• FORESTAY and BACKSTAY - Long lines supporting the mast forward and aft, and leading from the head of the mast down to the bow and stern of the vessel.

• RIG - the arrangement of mast, sails and spars.

It is also useful to know the difference between the following terms:

• UPWIND - When you are going against the wind.

• DOWNWIND - When you are going with the wind.

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• PORT - This is the left side of the boat when viewed from the stern.

• STARBOARD -  This is the right side of the boat when viewed from the stern.

• WINDWARD - The side of the boat the wind hits first. The side from which the wind is currently blowing from. 

• LEEWARD - The side of the boat the wind hits last: it’s the direction opposite to the way the wind is currently blowing.

• HEADING UP (luffing up or, simply, luff) - Moving the boat’s bow into the wind, or towards the direction it is coming from, to windward.

• BEARING OFF (or bearing away) - Moving the boat’s bow away from the wind, change the direction to leeward.

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• PUFF (or gust) - It's simply an increase in breeze, big or small.

• LULL - The opposite of a puff: it's a temporary reduction in wind strength/pressure.
   

• REAL WIND (or true wind) - The wind strength and direction affecting a static object: i.e. the wind that a boat that is not moving would experience.

• APPARENT WIND - It is how the wind appears on a moving yacht: it is the summation (in direction and velocity) of wind as measured on land and of the wind caused by the boat’s own speed.
   

• VEER - A clockwise shift in wind direction.

• BACK - A counterclockwise shift in wind direction.
   

• LIFT - A wind shift toward the windward side of the boat.

• HEADER - A wind shift toward the leeward side of the boat (opposite to a lift). Helmsman needs to bear away to keep the same wind angle.

Also these few terms to describe how the boat is moving (or how you act to move your sailboat) are important:

• TACKING - It refers to turning the bow through the wind so that the wind changes from one side of the boat to the other side. When tacking, the boom will always shift from one side to the other when performing a tack or a jibe.

• JIBING - The opposite of tacking, it’s the maneuver to turning the stern of the boat through the wind so that the wind changes from one side of the boat to the other side. Performing the jibing, the mainsail boom will always shift from one side to the other.

• LUFFING - Pointing the boat into the wind (sails flapping).

• IRONS - The hull of the boat is pointing into the wind, sails are ineffective and flapping.

• TRIM - Adjustments made to sails to maximize their efficiency. To deepen, see how to trim the sails.

• POINT OF SAIL - The boat’s direction relative to the wind. Well, we’ve dedicated a whole post to describe the different point of sail.

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Few terms related to the courses of sailing racing between marks:

• BEAT - the course  segment to the windward floating mark at a close-hauled sailing angle.

• RUN - The course, sailed at a near dead-downwind sailing angle, between the windward mark and the leeward mark.

• MARK (or buoy) - A floating object of defined shape and color, which is anchored and serves as an aid to navigation.

Few terms related to the wind:

• CLEAR AIR - Air flow undisturbed by the presence of other boats and their sails.

• HOLE - A brief, localized reduction in wind velocity.

• SHIFT - A change in wind direction.

• VEER - A clockwise shift in wind direction.

• BACK - A counterclockwise shift in wind direction.

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To start sailing a radio-controlled sailboat is easy but at Play2Sail we like to say also that: "to play is to learn", so here we share some really simple basics and tips, dedicated to everyone who wants to begin the fun of learning how to use the wind to make his rc yacht go faster.

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Play to sail: how to leave and return to the pier with a rc sailboat

Before you start a radio sailing session, it is important to know how to leave the pier and how to come back.

You need to act in relation of the wind (its direction and intensity) at the moment you will place your model yacht on the water. So, check the prevalent wind direction, first.

Our rc sailboats are really light: a DF65 yacht - ready to sail - weights around 1.2 kg only.

When you handle it out of the water, remember to grip the boat from the aluminum blade of the keel. 

To avoid it does not suddenly fly away while from your hands, let the sails go freely and keep the bow of the hull and the sails pointed in the wind until you will place your boat on the water.

How to leave and return when the pier is downwind

• To start from the dock where the wind comes in front of you, your boat will have to sail upwind.

Place it on the water and then turn the bow slightly away the no-go zone, tight in the sails acting on the left joystick of your radio control unit.

The wind will start to power the sails and the boat will move forward.

Act on the right joystick to control the boat direction by steering. Start to heading off just a bit to accelerate and now your boat will sail away from the pier fully under your control.

• To return back to the floating wharf, sail downwind and start a large turn that will keep the boat on a broad reach that points your destination on the pier.

Let go of the sails to slow down the boat speed. Before to be too close to the dock, turn quickly the bow into the wind and ease completely the sails. Keep the vessel pointed into the no-go zone, in iron, with the sails luffing into the wind.

The wind will slowly push back the boat more close to the pier, where it will be easier to take it out of the water. (Remember to keep the bow pointing into the wind, with the. Sails completely released, and to firmly grip the keel in your hand).

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How stop your sailboat

When your radioyacht is sailing, you can always stop your model by just turning the bow into the wind and letting go of the sails control line. When you do this, the wind pressure is off of the sails and they don’t generate push, the boat will stop almost immediately. This also is good for docking when the dock is upwind.

How to leave and return when the pier is upwind

 • Starting from the dock when the wind comes from your shoulders, your boat will sail away running downwind.

Keeping the bow inline with the direction of the wind and the sails well released. Place the boat on the water, turn the hull pointing downwind and leave it running away with the sails powered by the wind.

 • To return back to the pier your boat will have to sail windward.

Sail it, point at a slow speed to your destination on the pier. Steer and luff into the wind and release the sails to reduce the boat speed. When you’re close to the dock, head up the hull in iron just in front of you, so will be easy to take the boat from the water.

On the pier: keep your kids safe

👍 Life Jacket 😎

👍 Rubber-soled shoes 👟

👍 Water bottle 💧

👍 Sunscreen protection ☀️

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HOW TO RADIO SAILING

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