Reports from the Field: Cruising How-To's

Jubilee’s Field Reporters have decided to share with you some of their knowledge as experienced cruisers. Here are their tips on radio communication and anchoring...

VHF Radio, by Emily
Today you will learn how to use a VHF radio. At the top right hand corner is a nob. If you turn it left the radio will turn on. On the left hand corner is a intina. Below all of that is a speacker that you can talk through. Below that is a screen. It shows the number 16. 16 is the haling channel. You can hale any boat you want.

Here you go! “Kwitcherbitchen, Kwitcherbitchen, this is Jubilee.” Then you wait for a seacond. “Jubilee this is Kwitcherbitchen.” Then you say “up one” and go the channel up because you can’t talk on 16 because it is the haling channel. If 17 is ocupid you go to 18 or 68 or another channel. Then when you are done talking you say “Jubilee back to one-six” and you go to 16. Well, I hope that explanded enough.

Anchoring, by Drew
If you are going cruising and don’t know about anchoring, you should read this.

The first rule you should know is sand is better holding than grass. Also, different anchors set better than others depending on the holding. You should not anchor on coral because it kills it and you could get your anchor stuck.

You might ask around for how much scope people have out and put as much as them if you are in a crowded anchorage. The rule is put out your chain in a 5-7 to 1 ratio. If the current is strong you might set two anchors.

Last rule... don’t anchor on top of someone’s line. And always use a snubber to relieve tension on your windless. A windless helps you pick up your anchor.

If you don’t now where to anchor, look on your chart. The symbol will look like a small anchor.

Anchoring Tips, by Jake
If you plan to anchor you should know that different anchors set better in different areas. We use a C-Q-R which is 45 pounds! In places that have a lot of current set two anchors. If you drag set 3! (just kidding)

Don’t anchor near rocks because you might drag, run aground, or get your anchor stuck around it and never get it up. The best place to anchor is sand, times your deapth by 7 then put that much scope.

Marinas are better than anchoring because you can’t drag, but marinas make you spend every nickle and dime. Also, you might crash into a super yacht!


When they aren't crewing, the kids enjoy making stop-action "movies" with the camera and their Legos. Here's a quick sample of their work... it's called "The Dive."