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Rev. 5/9/06

Fire Island Cabin- 3^rd Annual Sunfish Regatta, August 2004

Fire Island Cabin

Boat User Orientation

Introduction:

Welcome to the AMC, Fire Island Cabin boating community.  We maintain a fleet of boats here for the use and enjoyment of our members.  The fleet currently consists of 17 boats!  We have canoes, kayaks and several types of sailboats.  If you don't know how to paddle or sail, many instruction programs are offered throughout the summer season.  So check the schedule and reserve early!

The Fire Island Committee’s Boat Sub-Committee manages the boats, and all of our related boating programs.  Current chair is Captain Michael Miller: 845 494 4083, .  Contact us if you have comments or questions regarding the boat programs.  Let us know if you are interested in volunteering.  You may also find announcements, event schedules, photos and more at our un-official site: .  Visit and join our site!

Boat use policy:

We have a boat policy that spells out the rules governing boat use at the cabin. You must be well acquainted with the policy before using a boat.  Terms of use, proper handling of equipment, and safety guidelines are addressed in the policy.  A copy is posted in the cabin boat log.

 No boat is to be taken out unless a qualified member signs it out.  Any member over 18 years of age may sign out and use a canoe or kayak (within their level of competence). Beginners are encouraged to enroll in a "learn to paddle" class.

 In order to sign out and use a sailboat, the member must first obtain "authorization".  This status is offered to those who possess and demonstrate basic small sailboat handling competence in an authorization session.  These sessions are available on any of the dates that a sailing program is offered. (see chapter events schedule)  The sessions include a complete briefing on the boat policy, location and handling of equipment, area conditions, safety procedures, etc.

Learning to sail:

If you are new to sailing, it is recommended that you first enroll in one of our "learn to sail" classes.  You may also practice under the supervision of the cabin's instructors, or go out on a boat with any member who has sail authorization.  All authorized sailors are encouraged to take out beginners and share their knowledge and experience.

For those who are seriously motivated to learn, we suggest you get a copy of  "Start Sailing Right!", Published by United States Sailing Association, copyright 1997 (www.ussailing.org).  Another excellent text is "Sailing Fundamentals" by Gary Jobson. 

In addition, many opportunities to sail are offered by the AMC, NY/ NNJ Chapter's Sailing Committee.  Day sails, instructional programs and even windjammer trips are offered in the chapter's event schedule book. Contact Sailing committee chair Norm Finkelstein, for further information.

Conditions and safety:

Before paddling or sailing it is important to be aware of weather conditions.  Do not paddle or sail if there are signs of an approaching thunderstorm.  Do not paddle or sail in excessive winds. Do not sail in winds above 15 knots unless you are an expert sailor.  Be careful judging the wind.  The cabin is in the "lee" (shelter) of the prevailing southerly winds.  This means you can be misled by the calm on the beach into believing it is calm out on the water. Once you get out in the bay, (out of the shelter of land) you may experience high winds and difficult wave conditions that overwhelm your ability to handle the boat.

Observe carefully before getting underway.  Whitecaps out in the channel are a sure sign of high winds.  Observe flagpoles. When flags are standing straight out this is a sign of high winds.  Watch larger sailing vessels out on the bay.  If they are heeling hard over, it is a sign of high winds.  If conditions are difficult, stay close in to shore until you are certain you have the ability to safely handle them.  If there is any doubt consult with other boaters to reach a safe decision.  It is better to be safe than sorry.  

Tidal flow is also an important consideration.  The incoming tidal current runs from west to east (toward Ocean Beach).  The outgoing tidal current runs from east to west (toward Dunewood). Tidal current can be very strong.  If you are paddling go up current first.  If you get tired or have a problem you will have the current flowing with you on the way home.  If you don't do this you could have a strong current flowing against you making progress very difficult. 

Consult tide tables to determine the status of the current.  The most certain method though, is to approach a navigation buoy and observe the flow of water around it. A wake or trail will run in the direction the current is flowing.  Sometimes the current is so strong the buoy will be leaning over in the direction the current is flowing.

When sailing in moderate to high winds, sail upwind first for the same reason.  If you have a problem the wind will be with you for your return to the cabin.  In light winds or if the wind dies while you are out, you will face the same tidal problems as the paddlers.  So have a paddle with you at all times and be prepared to use it if the wind dies and you are down current from the cabin. 

Motorboat traffic:

The main boat channel is the northern half of the body of water between our beach and the islands to the north.  This means that most traffic will be between the middle of the channel and Little East Fire Island.  If you stay closer to our beach you will avoid the main flow of boat traffic.  Remember however, that boats will travel anywhere on the water.  So be alert, observe rules of the road.  Avoid crossing the path of motorboat traffic in any event. 

Rigging and stowing of boats and equipment:

There are no paid employees at the cabin.  Volunteers perform all work and maintenance.  This means we, the users must make an extra effort to care for our boats and equipment to keep everything in safe operating condition.  Observe the following:

•   Get help when launching boats . Do not drag boats through the sand as it will grind down fiberglass or plastic hulls. 

•   Clean and inspect the hull, rigging and equipment prior to launching.  If there is any damage or malfunction do not use it!  Report the problem to the boating instructor or cabin manager immediately.  Use different equipment.  If you take a boat out it means that you accept and approve that it is in safe operating condition. 

•   Be sure boat is rigged properly and all safety equipment is aboard.  This includes at minimum: life vest for every passenger, paddle, and bailer. 

•   Be sure sailboats are secured, bow into the wind while rigging.  tie stopper knots in all sheets. 

•   Walk sailboats out to deep-water drop-off before getting underway.  Get underway from the windward end   of the beach to allow adequate leeway for a tack that will clear obstructions. 

•   Get centerboard down as soon as possible, but not before adequate depth is available.

•   When you return to the cabin sign the boat in and clean and stow boat and all equipment. Hose off sails and wash sand out of boats before storing.  Mark and set aside any damaged equipment for repair and notify instructor or manager. 

There is a page for each boat in the front of the boat log. Any problems or defects should be noted there with the date and name of person entering information

Responsibility:

Remember, when you sign out a boat you are the captain.  That means you are responsible for the boat and equipment, the safety of any passengers, and any damage you might cause to other vessels or persons.  This is a big responsibility! Do not undertake it if you are not up to it. 

 Conclusion:

We hope you will become an avid paddler and/or sailor!  Our AMC, Fire Island boat community members have enjoyed countless hours of fun and adventure.  We invite you to get involved, take a class, acquire some boating skills, and share the joy of time spent out on the water.  Later you can give back by volunteering to help maintain the boats or teach newcomers.

 Captain Michael Miller, Chair, FIC Boat Committee