This of course is the international signal for distress, and it’s used in many situations to signal the need for help.

It’s used when planes are in distress, when boats and ships are having an emergency, it was used during 9/11.

Derived from a French phrase “venez m’aider” it literally means “come help me”.

In 1923, Frederick Stanley Mockford, a senior radio officer at the Croydon Airport in London was asked to think of a verbal signal of distress that would be recognized and easily understood as an emergency call.

Because a large portion of the air traffic at Croydon went to Paris, France, Mockford came up with the mayday phrase.

How to make a mayday call:

Hopefully, you or anyone you may know never needs to use the mayday mayday mayday distress call, but if you do, you should know how to do it correctly:

• Always say the word mayday 3 times, which will eliminate the possibility of mistaking it for a similar but different phrase and will actually distinguish it as a distress call.
• This should be followed by repeating either the boat’s name or call sign, also repeated 3 times.
• Then repeat the word mayday once more, followed once again by the boat’s name or call sign.
• Give your location if possible.
• State the type of emergency you are having.
• State the number of people on board and status. (3 people on board, 1 injured)
• Any information that might help in the rescue.
• Then repeat mayday, boat’s name or call sign and “over”.

If at all possible, remain on the radio to assist the Coast Guard or other boat or aircraft coming to your aid.

There have been 3 VHF marine radio channels established that are recognized worldwide for calls such as these.

• Channel 16 – 156.800 MHz
• Channel 13 – 156.650 MHz
• Channel 70 – 156.525 MHz

Channel 9 has also been established for emergencies.

It’s not funny!

Using this distress call is a serious thing, people’s lives are usually at stake, so it is understandable that it is a Federal Crime if you use it as a joke…. realize that it’s not funny. It is a Federal offense to knowingly use the distress signal as a hoax, and is subject to prosecution and a penalty of $5000 plus any costs the Coast Guard might incur.

Again, I hope you never have a need to signal mayday, but if you do, at least you know the proper way to do it.

I hope you will follow my sailing posts and like my Facebook Page.

Once I complete the licensing requirements, I will be offering sailing lessons through the local sailing schools.  I would be honored to have you in one of my classes. Watch for updates!

Are you comfortable with your knot tying skills?

Part of the basic fundamentals of sailing a boat is understanding how to tie proper knots.

Although it doesn’t seem like such an important thing, it can mean the difference between securely tying your boat to the dock  and finding it adrift in the sea.

Many boaters have lost their boats during rough weather, thinking they had them securely tied up, when in fact they weren’t.

Tying knots is a critical part of successful boating as well as understanding which knots you use for different situations.

Enjoy this short video with instructions for tying 4 basic knots.

I hope you will follow my sailing posts and like my Facebook Page.

Once I complete the licensing requirements, I will be offering sailing lessons through the local sailing schools.  I would be honored to have you in one of my classes. Watch for updates!

As much fun as our boats are, they do require a certain amount of maintenance and cleaning to keep them in good condition.

Keep in mind that your boat is exposed to weather, hot, windy or cold, as well as water, salt, fresh and everything that’s in the water. It’s understandable that it’s going to need a good scrub down periodically.

Cleaning your boat can be rather time consuming, but the key is to keep it clean and don’t go for long periods between cleanings. This will eliminate extreme build ups of dirt and water scum.

You can also reduce the need for some cleaning by using a good boat cover when you’re not using it.

Where to begin

• Begin by assembling all of the products and tools that you will need:
  • A sturdy brush
    • A sturdy doesn’t mean stiff or course – that could damage your boat’s finish.
    • Your brush should have a handle to get to those hard to reach places
  • Large bucket
  • Mops
  • Towels
  • Chamois
  • Soap
    • Use soap designed especially for cleaning a boat.
    • Avoid everyday dish soap, it is too harsh and could damage your boat’s finish.
    • Use a bio-degradable soap with a neutral ph factor. You will be helping to protect the environment.
• Your second step would be to rinse the entire exterior of the boat with fresh water.
  • Always be sure your boat is wet before your start scrubbing so you don’t scratch the finish.
• Starting from the top and working your way to the bottom, you may begin washing with a cloth or sponge of soapy water.
  • Work on only one section at a time, otherwise the soap will dry out which would cause you to rewash to prevent streaking.
  • Now is a good time to use your brush to get off any hard to remove dirt or grime.
  • Then rinse.
• Use your chamois to dry off excess water.
• Wax your boat 1-2 times a year to protect the finish from all things damaging.

Fall is coming and it won’t be long before you put your boat away for the season. Do it right, and clean your boat thoroughly before you do, then it will be ready and waiting in the Spring!

I hope you will follow my sailing posts and like my Facebook Page.

Once I complete the licensing requirements, I will be offering sailing lessons through the local sailing schools.  I would be honored to have you in one of my classes. Watch for updates!