skipper 53 sailing yacht

"Leo" Skipper 53 -

Leo is a comfortable well maintained yacht that's been upgraded to a high standard, She has 4 double guest cabins each with shower/WC, the saloon will convert to give 2 extra berths and there's a crew cabin forward with separate access for your privacy. A new generator ensures there's always power for the equipment that includes air conditioning, 2 fridges, and an ice maker so your drinks are always cold.

This spacious yacht has a rich wood interior and a new teak deck which gives a large comfortable area for sunbathing. The tender is a 3.10mtr RIB with outboard.

Leo's skipper Jim Brown has many years experience sailing in Greece and the Mediterranean. He is happy to teach you to sail and for you to be involved in sailing Leo - or if you prefer you can just sit back and relax.

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Jeanneau 53

Specifications, jeanneau 53 - bareboat incl. with skipper monohulls.

The Jeanneau 53 comes in four-and five-cabin versions and replaced the popular Sun Odyssey 54. The new design produced a sleeker, more easily-driven craft that's very manageable full bareboat and equally suitable for skippered charter, providing the ultimate sailing holiday to be enjoyed at leisure.

The elegant lines created by Philippe Briand and Garroni Design positions the Jeanneau 53 as a sailboat of exception in the over-50 feet class of monohull yachts. The comfort on board, the level of finish and the perfect ergonomics were carefully designed to make every moment special.

Numerous deck hatches and portholes flood the interior with light to emphasise the quality materials found throughout: leather, stainless steel and finely varnished woodwork. The Jeanneau 53 offers a level of standard equipment unequalled in her class. A luxurious lounge sits opposite a wide and comfortable dining area and just forward of the spacious, well-equipped kitchen. The interior layout maximises space and storage.

Date Added: Nov 11th, 2018   Last Updated: Dec 14th, 2022

Charter Locations

• Regions: Caribbean , Mediterranean , South Pacific/Oceania , Indian Ocean
• Destinations: Antigua & Barbuda , British Virgin Islands , Chesapeake Bay , Corsica , Croatia , Greece , Grenada , Italy , Martinique, St Lucia, & The Grenadines , Seychelles , St Martin, St Barts, Anguilla, St Kitts & Nevis , Turkey

• Guests: 10 to 11
• Cabins: 4 double + 1 twin bunk + 1 single
• Length: 15.8m, 52'
• Beam: 4.9m, 16'
• Draft: 2.1m, 7'
• Engine(s): 110hp
• Fuel Capacity: 240l, 63g
• Water Capacity: 950l, 251g

Equipment Includes: Bimini /spray hood, electric windlass, h & C water, transom shower, 12 volt electrics, dinghy and outboard, bed linen, VHF, CD/FM radio. Additional equipment may vary. Ask us for additional equipment available on the boat in the destination you choose.

Yacht Layout

Specifications and accommodation layouts may vary. Ask us for the details of this boat in your preferred destination. Many boats have additional saloon berths not indicated above.

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• First Yacht 53 Beneteau
• Yacht Charter
• Sailing Yachts

Description

Charter First Yacht 53 Croatia

We are delighted to announce a thrilling new addition to our Split sailing yacht charter fleet with the Beneteau First Yacht 53. Available with our professional skipper or bareboat subject to approved sailing license and experience, First Yacht 53 for charter will take your breath away with its striking and racy shape, its sleek design, and beamy transom. Teak everywhere and plenty of space underline the comfort onboard since this performance cruiser has not only been built to fulfill the demand of sporty yachtsmen participating in regattas. No, relaxing in a huge and wide cockpit, sunbathing or enjoying alfresco dining in style are all on offer. Charter yacht First 53 hides all lines and ropes cleverly to maintain a clean and uncluttered deck, but still ensures ergonomy and short-handed sailing at its best. A perfect blend of performance and cruising penned by naval architect Roberto Biscontini looking back to more than 30 years of America's Cup experience and Lorenzo Argento responsible for the deck design.

Charter First Yacht 53 in Croatia and indulge in a modern interior that is fully-loaded with features making this beauty a real bluewater ocean-going sailing yacht ready for longer cruising passages in full autonomy. The bright and light salon has a smart-TV and welcomes you with beautiful joinery and white finishes paired with plenty of hatches and skylights. The sofas are located on the starboard side and come with a small coffee table, whilst opposite on the portside, a larger expandable table with seating will be handy for dining or socializing. 

Performance sailing boat First Yacht 53 for rent in Croatia accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 well-appointed cabins and scores with a separate front bow cabin for the skipper. The master cabin is located forward and features a large island bed, practical storage, an LED smart-TV, ambiance LED-lighting, separate toilet and shower room. The other two double cabins are aft and make use of the large yacht's beam. 

Complete with many convenient features like the stern tender garage and underwater lights, First yacht 53 for charter in Croatia will be ideal for honeymooners, friends, and families looking for a sporty performance yacht without compromises to comfort and luxury. Based in Split, one-way charters to and from Dubrovnik will be considered subject to availability and relocation fees. Please do not hesitate to reach out for more information on Croatia sailing yacht charter.

Special Features

Sailing yacht charter Croatia, Beneteau First Yacht 53 from ACI Marina Split (model 2020, mandatory skipper): Full batten mainsail, furling/roll genoa, lazy bag, electric winch, bow thruster, stern thruster, air condition, generator, teak deck, teak cockpit, electric toilets, LED-TV in saloon and master cabin, radio CD/MP3-player with USB connection, cockpit speakers, GPS chart plotter, autopilot, coffee machine, dishwasher, microwave, additional fridge, wine cooler, electric windlass, bimini, sprayhood, stern/aft shower, 220V shore power, battery charger, cockpit cushions, mosquito nets, underwater lights, bathing platform, stand-up paddleboard, 2 SeaDoo, 2 electric scooters, dinghy with outboard engine and all standard charter and safety equipment

Croatia charter Beneteau First Yacht 53 from Seget near Trogir (model 2022, bareboat or with skipper):  Classic mainsail, furling/roll genoa, 2 electric winches, bow thruster, generator, air condition, heating, teak cockpit, teak deck, radio CD/MP3-player with USB connection, cockpit speakers, Wi-Fi internet, GPS chart plotter in cockpit, autopilot, cockpit cushions, 220V shore power, 3 battery charges, 12V/220V plugs, dishwasher, toaster, filter coffee machine, microwave, hydraulic gangway, bimini, sprayhood, electric windlass, stern/aft shower, bathing platform, dinghy with outboard engine and all standard charter and safety equipment

End cleaning (amount depending on the base) 1,35 EUR/pers/day tourist tax

Spinnaker/gennaker, Wi-Fi internet on board, damage waiver, professional skipper, chef or hostess, airport/hotel transfers, one-way charters, safety net, 10 days charters or charters shorter than a week, crew change with new bed linen and towels, priority check-in, provisioning and other services on request

Send inquiry

Available from croatia.

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33 Skipper-bsk 2024 Boat For Sale

• Yachts for sale
• express cruisers
• skipper-bsk
• 33' Skipper-bsk

Last updated Jul 14, 2024

33' Skipper-bsk 2024

The Skipper-BSK 34NC is designed with proportions that give the boat a strong, expressive character and skillfully reflect her fast seaworthy hull. The boat’s appearance and construction with emphasis on every detail, perfectly matches the high-grade materials.

Skipper-BSK 34NC is the first Skipper boat with reverse collar arch and the highest point in the middle of the vessels. Nowadays this arch is a trademark for Skipper boats, as all models have the same style.

Skipper-BSK 34NC is the first Skipper boat with reverse collar arch

The Skipper-BSK 34NC is a very fast power boat because of her innovative hull design with 4 steps which produce an air bubble film between the hull and water. High speed without the need of huge engines and low fuel consumption are the two strongest characteristics of the hull.

Denison Yachting is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Spring Brook Marina.

Denison Yacht Sales offers the details of this yacht in good faith but can’t guarantee the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of this boat for sale. This yacht for sale is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal from that yacht market without notice. She is offered as a convenience by this yacht broker to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a specific yacht for sale.

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33' Skipper-bsk HIGHLIGHTS

• Yacht Details: 33' Skipper-bsk 2024
• Location: Chicago, IL
• Engines: Mercury
• Last Updated: Jul 14, 2024

33' Skipper-bsk additional information

• Beam: 9' 6''
• Hull Material: Fiberglass
• Fuel Tank: 2 x 63|gallon
• Fresh Water: 1 x 26|gallon

The Skipper-BSK 34NC is designed with proportions that give the boat a strong, sporty character that reflects its performance oriented, deep-V hull with 4-steps. This boat is an absolute thrill to drive and it handles like a go-cart on the sea— turning and accelerating on a dime! Throughout the 34 you will find premium materials and equipment that will keep you out on the water longer. A full size bathroom lies within the console with an electric toilet, sink, and shower. Silvertex fabric covers the sport bolster seats to keep you cool and dry as you speed to your favorite sand bar. A Vetus bow thruster allows for easy docking and storage space is ample. The 34 can be configured with different outboard options such as a twin Mercury 400 V10 configuration for excellent performance and fuel efficiency.

Schedule a Tour of 33' SKIPPER-BSK

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Skippered Yacht Charter

Navigare Yachting offers more than just yacht rentals and luxury yacht rentals. Did you know you can also hire a skipper to operate your yacht? It's an amazing value that can transform your yacht sailing vacation into something truly special and one-of-a-kind. Here's what you need to know about skippered yacht charters from Navigare Yachting.

A skippered yacht charter offers all the advantages of a luxury sailing vacation, including the opportunity to focus completely on relaxation , enjoyment , and the glorious sights and experiences of your destination.

Are you ready to sail? Navigare Yachting is ready for you!

A skippered yacht charter allows you to not only rent a yacht but also a skipper to operate it. Your skipper is not just there to steer the boat, though: he's an invaluable vacation asset, able to advise you of the best local locations, attractions, restaurants, and more. It's like having a local guide who is available at all times to ensure you're getting the absolute most from your sailing vacation.

A skippered yacht charter is the ideal holiday choice for you if:

• You want to have the most relaxed, laid-back, and easy-going vacation possible, with no worries and the days and nights spent however you desire.
• You want expert local insights into your destination, including hidden coves, deserted beautiful beaches, and the best diving and swimming spots.
• You currently do not have the required certificates or documentation to sail a yacht yourself.
• You would like a seasoned skipper present to help you sharpen your sailing skills.

Why Choose a Skippered Yacht Charter?

A skippered yacht charter allows you to not only rent a yacht but also a skipper to operate it. Your skipper is not just there to steer the boat, though: he's an invaluable vacation asset , able to advise you of the best local locations, attractions, restaurants, and more. It's like having a local guide who is available at all times to ensure you're getting the absolute most from your sailing vacation .

Your skipper is there to keep you safe, happy, and relaxed. It's the best way to enjoy your sailing vacation if you want to concentrate fully on relaxation while leaving the boat management and sailing details to a proven professional: your skipper will have full responsibility for the boat.

With a skipper on board, you'll also have the opportunity to learn firsthand from a seasoned professional. It's a chance to brush up on your sailing skills or prepare for sailing courses, like our exclusive Sailing School Croatia class .

Skippered Yacht Charter Destinations

Navigare Yachting has 300+ yachts in our fleet and we provide skippered yacht charter service to eight wonderful sailing destinations:

• Croatia and the islands of the Dalmatian Coast
• The British Virgin Islands
• Greece and the Saronic Gulf
• Sweden and its archipelago islands
• Spain 
• Turkey and the Aegean Sea

You and your guests will be able to meet your skipper at check-in, where you'll discuss your exact route and details of your holiday. It's your opportunity to put a personal touch on your sailing vacation getaway.

Pricing varies by destination; you can check our Yacht Charter Listings page and select the option to add a skipper to view prices. For skippered luxury yacht charters, you must have a skipper and a hostess, those prices can also be viewed on our Yacht Charter Listings page.

Note: Additional costs include the skipper's and hostess's meals.

A skippered yacht charter offers all the advantages of a luxury sailing vacation, including the opportunity to focus entirely on relaxation, enjoyment, and the glorious sights and experiences of your destination. Are you ready to sail? Navigare Yachting is ready for you!

Most wonderful of all, we make booking your skippered yacht charter easy and convenient. Our exclusive payment plan allows you to pay in up to six monthly installments . You can browse our eight wonderful destinations and book directly online , it's that simple! Visit our Reservations page to get started.

Browse our yachts with the skipper option!

There is a world of wonderful adventures waiting for you, and Navigare Yachting is here to show it to you.

Inquire About Charter

Request info, yacht charter request.

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Skippering a boat for the first time: steps to success

• Katy Stickland
• September 18, 2020

Skippering a boat for the first time needn't be daunting, as long as you prepare. Matthew Diggle reveals how to make a success of taking charge

New skippers don't need to be at the helm, and giving crew tasks will keep them happy and motivated. Credit: Matthew Diggle

It’s a pity that skippering a boat for the first time can seem so intimidating.

Not much beats the feeling of being in charge of a yacht, deciding where to go, and taking the crew on an adventure.

And there’s a real sense of accomplishment at the end when you bring the crew and boat home safely.

For anyone who is new to sailing or who crews for someone else, following the RYA training path and becoming a Day Skipper is an excellent way of taking your sailing to the next level.

As you gain confidence you can start to charter and explore new cruising grounds. Credit: Matthew Diggle

It shows that you understand the fundamentals and can take on more responsibility when other people feel daunted by the thought of being responsible for a boat and its crew.

With a bit of preparation and planning, skippering is well within most people’s capabilities, especially if you don’t bite off more than you can chew for the first few trips.

Preparation is the key. Simply put, you have to decide where to go, who to go with, and how to get there.

I thought it would be useful to share the lessons I’ve learned when I first started skippering for those considering taking their first steps.

Skippering a crew

Sailing boats are not particularly spacious down below so I generally don’t try to fill every berth onboard.

Even so, it is vital that the crew can get along together and this means that you have to choose who to invite carefully.

This is often a bit of a juggling act, trying to coordinate different people and boat availability, so in the end you’re unlikely to be able to please everyone.

Just offer some reasonable options and hope for the best.

Careful crew selection will contribute to a happy trip for all. Credit: Matthew Diggle

It is also important that people know what to expect, so they don’t sign up thinking that they’ll have a spacious cabin with en-suite facilities when they’ll actually get a space in the shared forepeak in a boat with a single heads.

Similarly, being clear about the nature of the trip – that this is your first time skippering –  will avoid adrenaline-junkies being frustrated by a gentle coastal cruise, or nervous novices being scared rigid during an offshore passage.

When skippering the first few times, it is well worth inviting an experienced and knowledgeable sailor to act as first mate.

But you should choose them wisely as you don’t want anyone who will take over or boss you about if you’re a bit slow working something out, or don’t do things in exactly the way they would.

What you really need is a calm and supportive person who will give you the space to experiment, have a quiet word in your ear if they are concerned that something is wrong, but who is capable of taking over if you are incapacitated in any way.

After all, you have to trust them to come back to pick you up if you have the misfortune to fall in, and you must be confident that they could get the boat and crew to somewhere safe if needed.

A competent first mate will make your life as skipper much less stressful. Credit: Matthew Diggle

In return for the safety and security they provide, you should listen carefully to what they say and pay attention to their skippering advice.

You should also make it clear to the rest of the crew who the first mate is and that they may have to assume command.

It is also sensible to ensure that not all the crew are novices.

Coaching new crew is time-consuming, and sometimes time is in short supply.

It also takes up mental space while your head needs to be concentrating on skippering the boat.

This is especially true when coming into a berth.

Having one or two people capable of handling the fenders and warps will avoid the sort of situation I got into on one of my trips where I didn’t notice the crew were busy trying to remember how to tie the fenders so that when I got the mooring slightly wrong, they didn’t see we were drifting towards another boat and I ended up shouting.

In the end, someone from the other boat pushed us clear, but it definitely wasn’t my finest hour as skipper.

With the crew briefed and kitted up, you’re ready to sail. Credit: Matthew Diggle

I usually send round practical information about arrangements, including advice about what to pack (and what to pack it in), about sharing cabins, what we will do about food, and also some reassuring words about the safety equipment on board.

More experienced crew members will probably already be aware of some or all of these things, but it is a good idea for everyone to have the same information so that there is a common starting point.

But I usually throw an extra sleeping bag in the car and make sure I check everyone’s equipped before setting off, just in case.

Organising a planning meeting, arranging to share lifts to the boat, or making some other excuse to get people together beforehand is a good idea.

The better people know each other, the more smoothly the trip is likely to run.

Encourage people to use email or social media to communicate, but make sure you ask for permission before sharing email addresses or phone numbers.

Keep your first skippering trip in familiar waters

Although it might be tempting to go exploring, you will probably have enough to think about without having to navigate around somewhere entirely new.

Indeed, the Day Skipper qualification says that you are only competent in ‘familiar areas’, but even here you might find yourself sailing from a marina or harbour you’ve not visited before.

If this is the case then do some research to get an idea of what to expect.

Sailing in familiar waters will let you focus on skippering rather than navigating new hazards. Credit: Matthew Diggle

When you pick the boat up, take the opportunity to chat with the charterer and people on other boats nearby to get some local knowledge.

They’re likely to regale you with anecdotes about other visitors who have come to grief in one way or another.

Don’t let these tales put you off, just listen carefully and then you won’t feature in their next story.

Unless you have a particularly trusting boat-owning friend you will probably also need to use your Day Skipper qualification to charter a yacht.

Again, you are better settling for something which is not too adventurous or enormous.

This is not the time to have to deal with something much bigger than you’re used to or with extra sails, rigging, or masts that you’re not accustomed to.

The cost of the trip

One of the first practical aspects of arranging a trip is to sort out the finance.

You will need to cover the cost of the boat, together with mooring and fuel, and then decide whether to include food, meals out, and drinks.

I find that the simplest option is to share all the costs equally, and the first step is to prepare a rough budget so people have an idea of how much the trip is going to cost.

It’s generally better to over-estimate and then give people a small refund, rather than to try to collect an extra few quid from everyone at the end of the trip if, for example, there was a lack of wind and so the fuel costs more than you expected.

You also need to consider what to do about the cost of any damage.

Continues below…

Masterclass: How to lead a happy crew

Toby Heppell gets advice on skippering with friends and family from Pete Goss, Dee Caffari and Conrad Humphreys

Competent Crew: On course for cruising harmony

Katy Stickland joined an RYA Competent Crew course to find out why instruction can make life as a sailing couple…

Night sailing tips for first timers

Cruising after dark doesn't need to be stressful. Toby Heppell shares his tops tips for night sailing

How to raft up safely and securely

James Stevens looks at the seamanship and etiquette needed to raft up and identifies the benefits and pitfalls of coming…

Do you trust everyone to stump up or would it be easier to include insurance in the basic cost of the trip?

You may find that potential crew are rather more enthusiastic about coming on a sailing trip in theory than they are in practice.

Asking them to pay a deposit when booking and the rest closer to departure is a good way of gaining commitment and preventing them from cancelling at the last minute.

Finally, record all expenses and payments so that everyone can check the figures and see that things have been divided up fairly.

This should help prevent disagreements.

There are a number of apps to make both the sums and payment straightforward.

Safety procedures

You are responsible for everyone’s safety and you should take this seriously, but in fact this usually isn’t too onerous if you are sensible and careful.

If you charter a coded vessel in the UK then it will come with a full set of safety equipment appropriate for its cruising limits.

All you will need to do is find where everything is stowed and familiarise yourself with specific details of the lifejackets, jackstays, and so on when you pick the boat up.

Then make sure the crew know how to use it, and do so at the appropriate time.

Brief the crew about safety equipment on board. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

I ask for an emergency contact number for each crew member, and in return let them have details of a shore contact.

I also ask crew members, in confidence, about any medical conditions that might affect them on the trip.

If someone falls ill you don’t want to be scrabbling about trying to find out if they have an inhaler or medication that could help.

Similarly, if you have to hand them over to an ambulance, the medics are likely to ask if they are allergic to common medicines.

There’s no need to share this with anyone beforehand, but I like to leave a copy with the shore contact and let the first mate know where the info is on the boat, just in case it were to be needed.

Catering for your crew

The first step when planning what to eat onboard is to check everyone’s allergies, likes, and dislikes.

With a modicum of thought it is quite feasible to cater for vegetarian, gluten-free, and other diets without making things too complicated.

There’s certainly no excuse for only offering a vegetarian crew member cheese sandwiches for every meal.

Good food on board boosts morale and can be a highlight of the trip. Credit: Matthew Diggle

On short, coastal trips I usually just cater for breakfast and lunch, and aim to eat ashore most evenings.

However, I like to have a simple ‘emergency meal’ on board, such as pasta and a jar of sauce, to make sure we can have a hot meal even if we end up at anchor rather than in a marina as planned.

I find that snacks, fruit, and biscuits are always welcome, and distributing a few chocolate bars can really lift the spirits during a hard slog or a long beat to windward.

Navigating your first trip

Once you’ve selected your crew, booked a boat, and decided on a cruising-ground, it’s time to start on the detailed preparations.

It is worth putting some effort into making the actual trip as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

Skippering means you’ll have lots to think about, so take any opportunity to ‘cheat’ by preparing things beforehand.

Your RYA training will have taught you how to work out tidal depths from the tables in an almanac, but why not print out some tidal curves for the time you’re away, in particular for any marinas you’re thinking of visiting?

Planning and navigation software packages can do this well in advance, and you can find information for the next few days online.

After all, you can still do things the traditional way if you want to impress your crew (or just to prove to yourself that you remember how) but if things are going wrong or time is short then having ‘one you prepared earlier’ can be a literal life-saver.

Weather forecasts

Similarly, you can download weather maps and forecasts for the next few days before setting off.

Obviously, things will change so you will have to re-check the forecast every day, but having a feel for the general weather pattern should help you decide whether to turn left or right when you leave the marina on the first day.

Unless you’re feeling particularly masochistic or determined to experience ‘life at an angle’, it’s not very clever to spend the first half of a trip on a hard beat only to find the weather system passes and you spend the second half on a hard beat back again, when setting off in the other direction initially would have resulted in a pleasant cruise, both ways.

Plan a couple of route options in case the weather changes. Credit: Matthew Diggle

Finally, get hold of any information you can about places you might visit or that you might want to have in reserve as bolt-holes.

Printing out some sketch-maps and pilotage notes can help you stay up on deck rather than spending time below checking the charts.

Share your plan with the crew, but make sure everyone knows that you might have to revise it due to things like a change in the weather.

Picking up the boat

Try to pick up the boat before the crew arrives.

Taking the inventory and doing the handover is much easier if the boat is not full of people and all their kit.

Then put the kettle on ready to give the crew a warm welcome.

If you’re parking a car at the marina then it is sensible to leave as much stuff in it as possible, particularly bulky bags and rucksacks.

A set of dry going-home clothes (and shoes) together with a dry towel and a bag for damp kit is a good idea if you think you might arrive back cold and wet on the last day – and if you’re sailing in the UK that is pretty likely!

Briefing your crew

Brief the crew before setting off.

Keep this simple and to the point; you don’t want to worry people, but it is important to point out the key things.

I usually include:

• Lifejackets and tethers
• Fire prevention and extinguishers
• Galley and gas safety
• First-aid kit
• How to turn off autopilot
• Using winches safely
• Starting the engine
• VHF radio and sending a DSC mayday
• Using the heads

Give a briefing that is appropriate for the crew, so you might have to have a couple of different briefings or even give one to the experienced people and get them to brief it on.

It’s a good idea to show people how to use pontoon cleats before setting off, rather than trying to explain this at the end of the day.

Other things about sailing the boat can be introduced gradually over the course of the day.

Consider having simple standing orders to make it clear what’s expected of the crew.

These should include rules about wearing lifejackets and tethers, such as ‘whenever you want to and whenever I tell you to’.

Remember to let your shore contact know when you set off, and also when (and where) you arrive.

Using the RYA SafeTRX app is a great way of ensuring that they are alerted if you’re overdue and it can also produce records of the trip that the crew may find interesting, but do keep your mobile charged during the trip or you might not be able to close the trip when you arrive, leading to possible confusion or concern.

When skippering, try to keep everyone involved in running the boat.

In challenging conditions it may be prudent to limit some tasks to more confident and experienced crew, but don’t let them dominate and hog the helm or other exciting jobs the rest of the time; make sure that everyone gets a turn.

Remember to be positive about everyone’s efforts, patient if you have to explain things, and gentle if you have to correct someone.

After all, they’re here to enjoy themselves and a harsh word may put someone off ever sailing with you again.

If you can, go with the wind when it blows up. Your crew will thank you. Credit: Matthew Diggle

Keep an eye on the crew so you’re aware if anyone is starting to suffer from seasickness or is getting cold, and deal with it before it gets too bad.

I find that putting seasick crew on the helm or persuading them to lie on a bunk with their eyes closed usually helps.

Hot drinks and an offer to pass up warmer clothes will help a cold crew member who is, perhaps, avoiding going below decks.

You are in charge of the boat and part of skippering is to ensure the crew have confidence in you.

So, remain calm at all times, or at least appear calm while you work out what to do next.

Don’t dither, it’s your responsibility when skippering to make decisions and when faced with a choice almost the worst thing you can do is nothing.

On the other hand, don’t be afraid of changing your plans if conditions change.

Don’t sail on regardless, hoping that things will turn out alright; shorten the trip if the crew are struggling, change the destination if the wind shifts.

Final words on first time skippering

Matthew Diggle started sailing after signing up for the 2011-12 Clipper Race. Since then he’s cruised in UK waters and off the Italian and Croatian coast. Credit: Matthew Diggle

It’s always worth having a debrief at the end of the day and of the trip to reflect on what people enjoyed, learned or didn’t understand, and hopefully this will help ensure everyone leaves happy.

As a skipper you are allowed to have fun too, but it is different to going on a trip that someone else has organised.

It may seem hard work and a little daunting to start with, but you’ll get into your stride after only a few trips.

I find it immensely satisfying when crew tell me that they’ve enjoyed a trip, that they’ve learned new skills, and, most of all, that they want to come back.

So why not start planning a trip and gathering a crew now?

First time skippering checklist

• Select crew with similar expectations
• Mix of abilities and experienced first mate
• Set expectations of boat and plans early
• Email joining instructions ahead of time
• Take a spare sleeping bag and waterproofs
• Meet up before the trip if possible
• Share shore contact details for the boat and get emergency contact for each crew

Cruising grounds

• Stick to familiar areas for first-time skippering
• Research new places you want to visit
• Get some local knowledge from charter company or marina
• Charter in an area you know
• Opt for a modest-sized boat that will be easy to sail
• Stick to white sails and don’t worry about spinnakers
• Arrive before the crew to settle in
• Decide what costs you will cover, and what you will split
• Be clear with your crew about how much it will cost
• Include a margin for extra fuel, and refund if possible
• Ask for a deposit so crew commit
• Check the boat has all the necessary safety equipment and where it is
• Brief your crew on safety gear and procedures, above and below decks
• Check if crew are on medication or have medical requirements
• Check and fit lifejackets
• Establish standing orders of when to wear lifejackets, who is in charge, and who first mate is
• Check for crew allergies, likes and dislikes
• Decide if you’re cooking on board or eating ashore
• Have enough for breakfasts, lunches and a back-up meal
• Take plenty of snacks, tea, coffee and milk
• Print out tide times, tidal curves and weather forecasts beforehand
• Plan a couple of route options to cover different weather scenarios
• Aim to make the first sail an easy one
• Prepare pilotage for new places you plan to visit
• Let shore contact know plans/use RYA SafeTRX app
• Share and rotate roles among crew
• Look out for bored, cold or seasick crew
• Distribute snacks and drinks regularly
• Keep an eye on the big picture – passage plan, weather, navigation and safety
• Teach crew if you have time, but don’t be distracted
• Discuss plans, but you make the final decisions
• Debrief at the end of the day and of the trip

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Chicago to Mackinac sailboat race: Storm snaps masts, tosses sailor into Lake Michigan

A fast-moving summer storm Saturday night on Lake Michigan left carnage in its path after three huge sailboats snapped masts and a fourth boat had to rescue a man after he fell overboard, all in the middle of the night under total darkness during the first day of the Chicago to Mackinac race .

“It was about 11:30 Eastern Time and we outpaced a couple storms. The team was getting ready … when a squall hit us. The wind picked up from about 18 knots to over 30 knots and shifted 80 degrees,” Skip Dieball, 53, of Wilmette, Illinois, a tactician racing on the 52-foot Usual Suspects, said on Sunday. “Sometimes in the daytime, you can see some of the shifts coming, the wind pattern on the water. But it was so dark we couldn’t see anything. We told each other we would prepare early. We were, and it just came really fast.”

Disaster was averted after Madcap, a Santa Cruz 52 owned and skippered by John Hoskins, responded to a man overboard report from Callisto, a J/125 owned and skippered by Jim Murray. Both boats resumed racing the 333-statute-mile (289-nautical-mile) race without injury.

In addition to Usual Suspects, owned by Eric Wynsma, masts broke on the 65-foot Sagamore owned by Laura and Tone Martin, along with the 45-foot Sapphire, owned by Robert Radway. No injuries were reported, according to Laura Muma, communications director for the Chicago to Mackinac race.

Despite being on high alert to take down sails, the demasting events were intense.

‘Loud as the loudest thunder’

As soon as the mast snapped, Dieball said the crew started doing a head count to be certain all 13 sailors were still onboard. The rig could have come down on the crew if they had been in their normal stations, but they were scattered. While the mast “broke violently,” Dieball said, “it did not come down violently.”

The race boat, with its custom carbon fiber mast, strong and light but brittle, is designed for high-performance racing and often used in America’s Cup races.

When the mast broke, it sounded like a “crack of thunder” immediately overhead, Dieball said. “It’s as loud as the loudest thunder.”

When the mast settled, the crew had to rapidly assess next steps. The biggest fear is that the broken mast will bang against the boat and puncture a hole, Dieball said. A mast on a boat that size can be 60 or 70 feet tall, he said.

“Part of your safety equipment is having cutting devices that get the mast away from the boat. The mast had broken in three different spots and it was time to start cutting things away,” Dieball said. “Carbon fiber, in many ways, is sharper than steel. We had to make sure no one was in a spot where one of the pieces would actually cut them.”

So sailors took out cutting tools and knives they’re required to carry as part of the racing protocol — and sliced away rigging as fast as possible, letting material sink into the water.

‘Survival mode’

Skipper Eric Wynsma, a real estate developer from Grand Rapids, had three of his grown kids racing, too. This was his 25th Chicago to Mackinac race.

“We were just in survival mode,” Dieball said, cutting away for about 30 minutes. “After the (storm) cell went through, the wind died off. So it wasn’t like we were battling elements. We were into the race about nine hours, finishing about a third of the course, and we returned to Muskegon.”

After stabilizing the situation, the Usual Suspects crew contacted the U.S. Coast Guard and reported debris in the water. The race boat didn’t need assistance once the rigging was cut away, Dieball said. They made certain nothing was wrapped around the propeller and Usual Suspects spent the next three hours motoring back, arriving about 5 a.m.

No one was freaking out, Dieball said. “It was all business.”

The costly damage prevents Usual Suspects from racing the Bayview Mackinac race from Port Huron to Mackinac, which starts Saturday.

Fast Tango fights DeTour

Tim Prophit , of St. Clair Shores, owner and skipper of the 40-foot Fast Tango, didn’t get slammed by the storm, but his nine-member crew prepared by making sail changes and reefing the main sail for better control.

“All of a sudden, the waves felt different, a different pattern, a different height. And the temps dropped,” he said Sunday while racing. “We were paying very close attention to the weather.”

Fast Tango won its class and placed second overall in the Chicago to Mackinac race last year, and was the overall winner in the Port Huron to Mackinac race.

This year, Fast Tango is battling the 34-foot DeTour, owned by Chuck Stormes, of Grosse Pointe Farms, no stranger to winning class and overall trophies.

Christy Storms said early Sunday afternoon she couldn’t look at the tracker to see how her husband was doing. It made her crazy. She didn’t know there had been a storm, she said, thank God, or she would have been worried sick.

“This is the first year I’ve been trying to not stalk him,” she said. “It’s tough looking every minute. It just makes me crazy.”

Family members are known to sleep with their phones under their pillows, call and text each other every hour through the night until the race is finished.In years past, Christy Storms said, “it was like crack. It just make me so anxious.”

So, she went online, noticed he was doing great, took a snapshot of the tracker, put her phone down and went to bed with their 11-year-old dog Striker.

Early Monday, Prophit confirmed that Fast Tango won first in class against 11 competitors. They crossed the finish line in 41 hours, 59 minutes, 47 seconds.

Chaos on other boats, too

Following the storm, 15- to 20-knot southerly winds continued to propel the 247-boat fleet north, Muma said in the race update.

While mast loss made headlines with sailing reporters, other boats had serious issues that went unreported. And they kept going, hoping for the best.

Mark DenUyl, of Marysville, Michigan, owner and skipper of the 34.5-foot Good Lookin’, watched his carbon fiber bowsprit snap in half during the high winds right about 11:30 p.m. Saturday. Now it’s held together with electrical tape and sail tape.

Crew member Brennan Churchill, 22, texted his dad at home in Kimball, Michigan, with an update on the damaged equipment used to extend the sail, so it captures more wind.

“He knew better than to tell his mother,” Tracy Heany Churchill said Sunday. “He knows I go into freakout mode.”

Ron Churchill always sails with his son, who won his first Mackinac race at age 15, but Ron couldn’t leave work as a senior operations manager for a natural gas storage facility to do both the Chicago and Port Huron races to Mackinac.

“I feel like I’m lost right now. I just feel like I’m supposed to be there,” Ron Churchill said Sunday.

Brennan Churchill described the boat tipping so far to one side that the crew was in waist-deep water, his father said. “Everybody stayed on the boat. Water was washing over them.”

The sudden gust of wind created such force that it likely flexed and snapped, he said. As a result of the damage, the crew held steady until daylight to try and figure out what to do, Churchill said. “They did a good job with just staying composed and keeping the boat moving well.”

On Monday morning, Good Lookin’ crossed the finish line in third in class against a dozen other J/105 boats despite damage to critical equipment.

Cara DenUyl and her 19-year-old daughter, Riley, woke up at 5:30 a.m. Monday to watch online the Good Lookin’ finish. “It was a nail-biter. It was close between second and third. They were in second place at 2 a.m. Sunday, when that storm hit. Then they fell back all the way to seventh place. At the time, we didn’t know the storm had hit. Somehow they got everything fixed enough to keep going, thankfully. I feel relief that they made the podium.”

‘Breathtaking’ speed

With storms come great wind. Or, in sailor speak, great air.

Winn Soldani, race chair of the Chicago to Mackinac race, said this weekend’s storms brought “epic” conditions that weather models predicted, which is important for safety.

“We’re watching boats going 20 knots, or about 23 mph, and it’s breathtaking,” Soldani told Shifting Gears from the finish line near the Mission Point hotel on Mackinac Island on Sunday.

“When the squalls hit, the wind changed direction very rapidly, from out of the south to out of the west, at 33 to 35 mph,” he said. “Some of these sails are the size of tennis courts. They’re huge. So this changes pressure on the mast.”

That’s what causes masts to snap, Soldani said. Strict safety protocols protect the 2,200 sailors racing this year, and that’s why they’re required to wear special tracking devices on their bodies at all times.

Storm winds create record-setting conditions

As a result of the strong winds, this race broke the speed record.

The 80-foot Maverick finished in 22 hours, 24 minutes, 23 seconds, breaking a record set 22 years ago by 66 minutes, 11 seconds. 

Sanford Burris, of Kirtland, Ohio, sailed with his sons and friends on the carbon fiber Andrews 80 they have spent the past three years upgrading, according to Muma. The 20-person crew included Rodney Keenan, founder of Evolution Sails.

“The team celebrated briefly as the Maverick team crossed the race to Mackinac finish line between Mackinac Island and the Round Island lighthouse … and then kept on sailing,” said the Chicago to Mackinac news release.

Maverick is one of 25 sailboats registered for this year’s “Super Mac” race, a combination of the Chicago Mackinac and the Bayview Mackinac races, which means they will continue into Lake Huron, heading south to Port Huron, for a total of 565 statute miles (495 nautical miles).

More: Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Co. sells to Florida billionaire

Phoebe Wall Howard, a Free Press auto reporter for nearly seven years, now writes a column on car culture, consumer trends and life that will appear periodically on  Freep.com  and in print. Those columns and others will appear on her Substack at  https://phoebewallhoward.substack.com/about  Contact her at [email protected].