• Remove the Mainsail from the storage bag and spread it out on the deck. This triangular sail has a Head (top), Tack (bottom inside), Clew (bottom outside).
• Attach the Tack to the base of the mast, attach the bottom of the mainsail to the boom.
• Release the Halyard from it’s cleat and attach it to the headboard at the head of the mainsail. Feeding the mainsail into the groove in the mast, take the slack out of the halyard and secure it into the cleat.
• Using a bowline tie the clew of the boom into the sheet. Coil up your lazy sheets and lay them flat in the cockpit.

Now your ready to hoist the sail.

A day out sailing can be an opportunistic moment, but don’t let that spur of the moment decision compromise everyone’s enjoyment and safety.
Have a checklist to run through to make sure you cover the bases. Here is a number of items you can choose from to create your own checklist.
Before heading to the boat:

• Check the forecast, including predicted wind strength, direction and changes throughout the time away (short and long range forecast),
• Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back,
• Prepare your guests ensuring they are appropriately dressed, and bring what they need, don’t forget seasick prevention,

Before Transporting:

• Check wheels, tyres and trailer wheel bearings, lubrication, looseness, air pressure, including spare,
• All Lights operating, wiring plug
• Trailer hitch, and safety chain,
• Tie-down straps, winch and cable, safety chain(boat).
• Safety gear (prepacked in a watertight bag),
  • flares,
  • V Sheet,
  • Horn or whistle,
  • maps/charts,
  • First aid kit
• Safety gear (stored onboard),
  • Fire extinguisher
  • VHF, UHF,
  • compass, GPS navigation, sounder
• Rigging and sails (condition/serviceability)
• Check Fuel and oil, check battery, test run engine, look for fuel/oil leakages,

Launching from a trailer:

• Drain plugs in and tight,
• Prepare the dock lines and deploy the fenders,
• Brief the passengers and crew about procedure, who does what and when to do it,

On the boat, Before starting off:

• Sniff around the cabin for suspicious fumes,
• Visual inspection around the motor, looking for leaks, loose wiring, corrosion, chaffing
• Double check bilges for fluids or leakages,
• Open sea-cocks, breathers,
• Warm the engine

On the boat:

• Show guests around, stow personal items and gear,
• Show where PFD’s are kept and show how to put them on, include how to exit the boat in an emergency (eg, cross your arms across your chest before jumping overboard, so the PFD doesn’t knock you in the face when it hits the water),
• How to operate the marine head,
• What to do in an emergency,

Just before heading out:

• Turn on Navigation, sounder, VHF and log in (to VMR)
• Ensure you have checked your charts are handy, course plotted, location of key navigation marks on your course,
• Assign roles for each crew member, when leaving the dock, handling lines and fenders, etc,
• Make sure non-crew are seated comfortably out of the way

Add to the above any items particular to your vessel, and laminate it for weather proofing, keep a copy handy for reference.
If your the only person aboard who knows how to sail, then take any opportunity to teach others how to handle the boat and what to do in case of an emergency.

Wynnum – Manly area boasts a large Marina with a picturesque view of Moreton Bay along it’s foreshores.

This safe harbour has been host to several boat clubs our it’s colourful history.
The Wynnum and Manly Sailing Club was founded in 1909, and was an “All Boat Club”. This club survived the Great War and grew in membership to 90 members on register in 1921. The depression in 1930 and other contributing factors caused the club to decline until it ceased to exist around 1932.
The Manly Yacht Club was established in 1914, after years of friendly rivalry with the Wynnum and Manly Sailing Club, many exciting races won and lost to each, but unfortunately the Manly Yacht Club declined in 1925.
It took nearly 30 years to pass before a few local sailors decided there was a need for another “All Boat Club”, and the Wynnum Manly Yacht Club was established in 1962

My first sailing experience was in a fishing kayak, with a home made sail. Not quite a yacht, but it did have a sail. Sailing across Moreton Bay from Victoria Point over to Peel Island. Once there I pulled the kayak onto the beach and forgetting about the rudder, pushed it backwards into the water snapping the rudder flush with the waterline in a coral protrusion on the beach.
Luckily the sail was a Pacific Sail (V shape) pivoting from the base mount, so I was able to steer somewhat zig-zag back to Victoria Point. An old sea captain standing on the boat ramp watched intently as I approached the boat ramp in a side-on fashion. Giving me a cheer he inspected the rig and suggested I investigate using a lee-board. He went on to elaborate on what a Lee-board was and how it worked similar to a keel, only it was positioned at the side of the vessel and could be swung up out of the way if necessary.
I decided to take on his advice and set about trying to find out more about sailing and it’s equipment, this is how McCusker Yachts came about.
Tell me about your first sailing experience and share with my readers what inspired you to take up sailing.