Preparing your Yacht for the Season

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Preparing your Yacht for the Sailing Season

If you’re looking forward to plenty of time on the water in your yacht this summer, now’s the time to give it a thorough check over. Paying attention to general boat maintenance and mechanical servicing now could save you time and expense later on, when you could be enjoying yourself out on the water.  Here are some of the keys things you should be doing.

 

  1. Interior and exterior cleaning

Even if you gave your boat a good clean when you put her away for the winter, she’ll probably need a thorough clean to remove any dust, dirt and mildew that has accumulated over the winter months. Use specialist marine cleaning products to clean and protect the interior as well as the decks. Polish all stainless-steel fittings and apply a protector, check for wear and tear, tighten any that have worked loose.

  1. Check rigging

This needs to be done on a regular basis and especially at the beginning of the season. Wear and tear due to movement of the rig, can easily occur when your boat is moored up during the winter. Examine the standard rigging and running rigging for any signs of damage. Clean and replace the components as required.

  1. Anti-fouling

Check the anti-fouling coating on the hull. This protects it from the growth of marine algae and scum build-up. You can source various types of anti-fouling paints from a chandlery and it’s advisable to remove as much of the previous layer as possible, before applying a new coat. This gives a smoother finish and better protection.

  1. Engine service

Having your engine serviced now is good practice and much more convenient than in the middle of the season. It could also avoid any difficulties or breakdowns when you’re out on the water. An engine service will usually include a full clean, oil and oil filter change, gearbox greasing and oil check, replacement of air filters, checking v-belt, impeller and anode.

  1. Winch service

Winches require routine care and maintenance, as frequent usage can cause significant wear and tear. Service them now to ensure that they run smoothly and efficiently.

  1. Sail-drive service

Sail drives can be susceptible to corrosion as they are often immersed in salt water. Service them now with a thorough clean, oil change and gearbox check to ensure they don’t fail when you’re on the water.

  1. Seacock service

Check that all seacocks work and operate them frequently to avoid them seizing up. Make sure that none are leaking, clean them with fresh water, check and grease the seals.

  1. Re-fill fresh-water tanks

If you drained down the tanks at the end of last season, then close the taps, switch on the pump and refill the tank. Flush through with clean water and turn on each tap individually to run water through it. Start with the taps closest to the pump to push out any air locks.

  1. Check life-saving equipment

Modern life-jackets require proper maintenance, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure that they are adjusted for each crew member and that everyone knows where they are stowed. Ensure flares and fire extinguishers are in date, the life raft is serviced and fully functioning, making sure lifelines and guard rails are secure and in good condition.

  1. Check your boat insurance

Make sure that your boat insurance policy is up to date and covers you for what you need. If you have any questions, you can call our advisers on 01604 946 779.

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Yacht Insurance

Beginners’ Guide to Yachts

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Yacht InsuranceWhen is a Boat also a Yacht?

There is a vast array of vocabulary associated with yachting, sailing and boating, and many terms have Naval origins dating back hundreds of years. It can be confusing for the novice sailor and the place to start is probably: What do you call your sailing vessel?

This is some debate (and confusion) around when is a boat also a yacht – as all yachts are boats, but not all boats are yachts! What determines whether a boat is a yacht includes factors such as size, value, design, purpose and status. The dictionary definition of a yacht is: “a medium-sized sailing boat equipped for cruising or racing.”

Competitive sailing/racing

Yachting may be considered an elite occupation or pastime, while the competitive sport of racing boats or yachts has a much broader appeal. The Olympic sport changed its name from yachting to sailing before the 1966 Olympic Games to reflect this. In addition, the classes of boats sailed in the Olympics change quite often. They vary according to the objectives of the International Olympic Committee and include boats defined as dinghies, skiffs and multihull boats (but not yachts). Just to add to the confusion, British sailors join the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and sailing clubs across the country are affiliated to the RYA.

RYA definition of a yacht

The RYA describes a yacht as a larger boat, where you can live on board. (It’s important to include the assumption that these are sea-faring boats, rather than ones that you find on our inland waterways!) They range from about 20 feet (6m) in length to well over 100 feet (30m). They come in various hull shapes: Monohull (single hull); catamaran (two hulls) and trimaran (three hulls). They can also have many difference types of keel and different types of rig.

Luxury yachts

The size of yachts in the luxury market is getting bigger all the time. What used to be known as ‘superyachts’ (at 100 – 130 feet /30 – 40m) are now considered mid-range, while superyachts are now over 130 feet, but the benchmarks are continually moving.

Whatever size of yacht you have, Assist Insurance offers a range of flexible policy options to provide you with yacht insurance to meet your needs.

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Yacht image

Lutine Regatta

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In June we took part in the Lutine Lineslip Sailing Regatta – an annual event where teams from the insurance industry come together and compete over two days.

Our crew of eight, along with two professional skippers demonstrated our desire and ability to be the best, improving from third position out of eight boats on day one to winning our class in both races on day two.

The Assist Insurance team comprised Steve (Director) Liam from Compliance, Luke & Aaron from Sales and our guests: Tony (KGM Underwriting Services), Ian (Tingdene Marinas), Oliver & Danielle (Canopius).

The event was a great success and brilliant fun, bringing our dedicated team closer together in an exciting challenge. We wanted to reward some of the staff, suppliers and strategic partners who have really helped us build Assist Insurance into one of the fastest growing providers of boat insurance in the UK, and to meet some of our competitors in a more social environment. It was also designed to give some of our staff a better understanding of competitive sailing and boat management so that they have a better understanding of boat ownership and relate to our many boat-owning customers.

The boat we chartered was Rocket Dog II, a Beneteau First 40 yacht – perfect for a crew including novice sailors with its balanced keel and rig, but still responsive, fast and exciting to sail. Many thanks to the team at Britannia Events who organised the regatta and helped to raise money for a worthwhile cause.