Though recreational activities like hiking and trekking are commonplace around the world, some prefer their adventures on water. Whether it’s for leisure or sport, sailing is a well-loved activity that has multiple benefits. It allows a person to increase their stamina, reduce anxiety levels,  build spatial understanding, and promote attentiveness.

To take advantage of these benefits and to escape from hectic everyday life, 3.46 million people went sailing in 2021. You can also enjoy these perks by planning a sailing vacation to Seattle, which is famous for its beautiful skyline and favorable winds. Here are a few tips you should follow to ensure you enjoy your sailing vacation. 

Consider Weather 

Weather plays a significant role in sailing. An ideal sailing day should be sunny, warm, and breezy. Most boats perform well in winds of 5 to 15 knots. An older heavier sailboat will only move in winds of 12 to 15 knots, but this may be too much for modern lightweight boats that perform best in 5 to 7 knots. Aside from winds, currents are also vital for sailing. You want to sail in low currents to maintain control over the boat and have fewer chances of capsizing. 

Knowing the weather prediction before going sailing is vital, especially for amateurs. Seattle has unpredictable weather. In the daytime, it can be sunny, but as time progresses, it can start to rain. If bad weather hits while you sail, you can get stuck in the ocean, ruining your vacation. 

Buy Custom Sails

If you own a sailboat, consider investing in custom sails to make sailing more enjoyable. You can give the sails a unique design by adding patterns and graphics. By having the sailboat match your tastes, you will enjoy taking it to the water more. 

Custom sails are built according to your use. For leisure sailing, use dacron sails, which are cheap and easy to repair. You can order the custom sails from  Far East Sails with a full-size batten – an insert in the mainsail parallel to the direction of wind required to support the sail’s shape. A full-size batten makes sailing simpler and more fun by providing more control over the boat. 

Sail In Scenic Locations

Seattle is home to beautiful islands and a magnificent skyline. Sailing along them can make the sport more enjoyable. Popular sailing spots in Seattle are:

• Shilshole Bay Marina
• Port of Kingston
• Blake Island

Be Safe

Sailing is a risky sport as it relies on uncontrollable conditions. You should always follow safety measures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable sailing experience. When sailing, never forget to wear a life jacket. Sailboats can easily capsize with wind gusts, suddenly putting you in the water. Here lifejackets guarantee your safety.

If you are a beginner at sailing, always stay close to the coastline. Many boats are present there, and if you find yourself in an uncertain situation, you can easily signal for help. But if it gets dark and you are further away from the shore, you should carry a flashlight to signal a patrol boat for aid. 

Endnote

Sailing is considered a luxury sport since its equipment and training are expensive. However, throughout Seattle ports, commercial sailing companies have popped up. Through them, sailing has become accessible to all, as you can hire boats to go sailing yourself and enjoy the experience. Once on the water, you will find how mentally relaxing sailing is while being a challenging sport.