How to avoid typical mistakes on a sailing yacht?

From dead batteries to unsuccessful attempts at anchoring, we all face difficulties. Interparus will tell you about the most common yachting mistakes and problems.

There's nothing quite like a summer/fall/spring day on the water... unless that day ends with a dead battery, a jammed propeller, or a frantic call to the Coast Guard asking for a tow.

According to rescue services, the most frequent calls remain towing on water (52%), transfer from berth to berth (11%), removing a yacht from the shallows (10%), starting the engine (7%), and also delivery of fuel or necessary parts (7%).

But there is good news! Most of these troubles on board can be prevented. Especially if you prepare in advance and know the basic safety rules.

We start at the pier and check the basic things

Some of the most frustrating calls for rescuers are not related to serious breakdowns, but when the boat simply won't start. The reason is often ridiculously simple.

First, make sure the throttle is in neutral. It seems obvious, but it is this little thing that regularly causes panic on the water. According to marina workers, this often happens when the yacht is at anchor or moored "jack-in" with other boats, and someone on board accidentally touches the lever, switching it to the transmission mode. As a result, the motor locks up and does not respond to attempts to start.

Another common problem is related to the battery. Even if the starter battery still holds a charge, loose or oxidized contacts can make it impossible to start the engine. Therefore, after an unsuccessful engine start, check the terminals and connections not only on the engine side, but also on the battery side. It is very important to check after a long period of inactivity, since contacts often become corroded over the winter.

Experienced skippers also recommend making it a habit to visually inspect the terminals before each trip to sea. It is also useful to have a simple stainless steel brush or a special spray for cleaning contacts on hand; sometimes a couple of movements are enough to bring the motor to life. Many boaters recommend carrying a small multimeter. This tool will help you understand what exactly the problem is - in the battery, wiring or starter.

Don't forget about preventive maintenance, especially if you don't plan to use the boat for a month or longer. It's worth disconnecting the battery or connecting it to a "smart" charger that automatically maintains the optimal charge level. This simple action can save you a lot of nerves and not spoil the long-awaited sailing trip.

Always leave a sailing plan, use VHF radio

One of the most important rules of water safety is to stay in touch. Always make a sailing plan and notify friends or family members about it. Indicate exactly where you are going, what time you plan to return, and what actions to take if you do not get in touch. This allows you to significantly reduce the time for search and rescue in an emergency.

A mobile phone, no matter how convenient it is, cannot replace a full-fledged onboard VHF radio station. On the water, the cellular signal often disappears, especially far from the shore or in areas with poor coverage. A radio station works more reliably and provides direct communication with other vessels and services.

Each boat should be equipped with a VHF radio with an antenna at least 2–2.5 meters high. This ensures reliable reception and transmission at a sufficient distance. Remember: Channel 16 is for emergency calls and is monitored 24 hours a day by the coast guard and rescue services. To communicate with other vessels, use Channel 9 so as not to overload the emergency channel with unnecessary conversations.

Additional advice: keep a radio station not only in a stationary version, but also a portable one. This is especially practical in case of going out on a boat or an unexpected evacuation. It is useful to teach all crew members at least basic radio communication skills in advance, i.e. how to call for help, how to correctly pronounce the coordinates and the name of the boat. In a critical situation, this can play a decisive role.

Before going out to sea, check the functionality of your VHF equipment. Make a test call to channel 9 or 68 (often used for everyday communications), make sure the antenna and microphone are working correctly. A quick check takes only a couple of minutes, but eliminates the risk of being left without communication at the most inopportune moment.

Anchor properly, watch the weather

Many waterborne malfunctions would not have become serious problems if skippers had used the anchor for its intended purpose. Rescuers note that too often yachtsmen begin to fuss and drift while trying to figure out the malfunction. Meanwhile, the first thing to do in such a situation is to drop the anchor. This will give you time and space for a calm diagnosis, keep the yacht from being blown away by the wind or current, and allow you to safely fix the problem.

It is worth remembering a simple rule: an anchor is not only a way to stop for rest or fishing, but also a key safety tool. Check in advance whether your anchor is suitable for the conditions (sandy, muddy or rocky bottom), whether the rope or chain is strong enough. Many experienced yachtsmen advise carrying a second, spare anchor - it can come in handy in an unforeseen situation.

Monitoring the weather is equally important. On the water, the situation changes rapidly; a clear sky can turn into a stormy one in half an hour, with strong winds and lightning. Use specialized weather apps, set storm warning alerts, and always pay attention to clouds and wind changes. If in doubt, it is better to return to port or find shelter.

It is worth mentioning a very important safety requirement: all boats up to 8 meters (26 feet) long must have an emergency engine stop – a motor shut-off system that is activated if the operator falls overboard. This simple device can prevent serious injuries and will prevent the boat from drifting uncontrollably. Always use it, even on short passages.

Don't skimp on insurance and don't forget about preparing your fuel system

Too many yacht and boat owners underestimate the importance of basic insurance. A boat policy with liability coverage is a must, especially with increasing traffic on the water and the rising cost of even small boats. Collisions, damage while moored, or accidents can be costly if you don’t have insurance. It’s better to think about protection in advance – it will save both your wallet and your nerves.

Calm water is your greatest ally

The main quality of a confident and experienced skipper is the ability to stay calm even in a difficult situation. When you go out to sea or on a river, there is always a factor of unpredictability: equipment can fail, the weather can change, and the situation can simply get out of control. But it is calmness that allows you to correctly assess the situation, remember basic safety rules and make the right decision without panicking.

Preparation, attentiveness and common sense are the three pillars on which successful and safe sailing is built. A proven battery, a clear route plan, a working radio station, knowledge of the weather forecast and the ability to drop anchor on time are the key to the skipper's confidence and the crew's trust.

Ultimately, the enjoyment of a day on the water is not determined by the number of miles you cover, but by how calmly and confidently you handle the situation. Calmness is the invisible insurance that helps make a day on the water a success.

New video on Interparus channel

We tuned the yacht… and went to test it! As a result, we spent almost a month under the sails of the new yacht under the GARNA brand — and we are in a hurry to share our honest impressions. Enjoy watching!

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