A Guide to Using Flares

Emergency flares are essential to anybody that intends to go out sailing, whether it is around the world or simply on an inshore lake, if something goes wrong, distress flares can make the difference between life and death. Sailing flares for sale vary depending on their intended use but the principal of emergency flares remains the same, that is, to enable a boat in distress to attract the attention of rescuers.

Distress Flares Usage Guide

•Distress flares are divided into three types, inshore, coastal and offshore. Offshore flares are recommended for any boat that intends to go further than 10miles out to see, coastal and inshore distress flares are self-explanatory. The main differences between these sailing flares (other than the price) are what the flares are capable of.

•Offshore distress flares can be fired up to 1000ft into the air and can be seen from more than 25miles away. These emergency flares are either fired by a flare gun or a by a rocket (similar to a firework). These distress flares float down on a parachute which enables them to be seen for over a minute.

•The other types of sailing flares for sale are the handheld types such as those offered by Hansson Ikaros . These are recommended for all uses, especially when inshore.

•Emergency flares are only of any use when somebody else can see them choose the moment to fire distress flares carefully. When it comes to firing sailing flares from a flare gun, hold the flare gun in both hands and aim roughly 60 degrees above the horizon (more in high winds), with the wind on your back. Make sure that you are not going to hit any other boats or buildings on land that could be caught on fire.

•Handheld sailing flares are very useful for inshore or coastal situations where the shorter line of sight is not such as issue. Handheld emergency flares are also very useful in offshore situations when a rescue helicopter or ship is nearby.

•Handheld emergency flares are ignited by different means and it is always highly recommended to check how your individual flares are operated a common method is by pulling on a chord or a chain that is on the bottom of the distress flares. These sailing flares are designed to be waved in the hand when standing on the deck of the boat. When using these distress flares, wave them over the edge of the boat to ensure that sailing flares will not set the boat on fire in the event that they are dropped.

•All emergency flares have an expiry date (usually 3 years after manufacture) printed on the side of them. All distress flares should be replaced if the expiry date is reached.

•Hansson Ikaros offer packs of sailing flares designed for different uses. For Instance the Offshore Emergency Flares Pack contains 4 rocket flares, 4 handheld flares and 2 smoke flares.

•It is recommended that the minimum amount of distress flares to have on board at any one time is four but of course it doesn’t hurt to have even more than that in the event of a real emergency and you end up relying on your sailing flares. Sailing flares come in waterproof containers but should be kept in a watertight container as an extra precaution.

A Guide to Admiralty Charts

Information on the best admiralty charts currently available on the market. For more information on marine charts currently available, read this guide.

A Guide to Admiralty Charts

To navigate effectively, any committed boatsman needs a good admiralty chart. Here’s a guide to some of the best admiralty charts available on Mailspeed Marine. Whether you want to explore some of the best waters off the UK coast or dream of heading further afield, there is plenty of charts here to give you food for thought.

Admiralty Charts: What to Buy

Admiralty Folio – 5771 Ionian Islands, £54.99

It’s hard to match a summer excursion around the beautiful Ionian Islands in your boat. These charts were designed by yachtsmen for yachtsmen, providing all the relevant information needed to get the most out of this breath taking region. The charts are A2 size, making them the perfect match for the chart table.

Designed by the team at UKHO, the team have used their first-rate knowledge and advanced data to compile these highly-effective charts. Coastal areas, slip ways and racing marks are all clearly expressed on the 17 charts included on average in the folio. All folios are also kept updated with a specialised online service.

Admiralty Tough Charts, £47.99

These practical tough charts are fully waterproof, making them perfect for use on wet boats or when conditions are tough and exposed. A3 in size, the charts are spiral bound for convenience.

Each tough chart offers around 15 separate charts detailing information and approach plans for specific areas. Based on the 1:75 000 scale, the charts are magnified to make them as easy to read as possible when you’re battling tough conditions at sea. Spaces have been designed into the charts to accommodate any reference notes you might need to jot down when planning. These admiralty charts should also stand the test of time – in fact, the manufacturers boast they verge on the indestructible.

Admiralty Folio – 5642 Antigua to Martinique to Barbados, £39.99

Plan that journey of a lifetime around this popular part of the Caribbean, by considering these informative charts. These Caribbean Leisure Charts are compiled using the same exacting standards used by the Royal Navy, which should give some indication as to how reliable they are.

Each individual folio contains 12 A2 charts, with a full latitude and longitude grid to aid you as you explore this popular cruising destination. The charts are printed on premium heavyweight chart paper and are contained within a reinforced, waterproof plastic wallet, and contain a key to international chart symbols and marinas.

Admiralty Folio – SC5602 West Country, Falmouth to Teignmouth, £39.99

Stay a little closer to home and explore the coastline of the South West of England with these informative charts, ideal if you want a long weekend enjoying some of the best seas this country has to offer.

The Leisure folios consist of 10-12 A2 sized charts, offered on durable heavyweight paper and packaged in a protective wallet. The charts are similar to standard Admiralty charts and publications. Slipways, racing marks and coastal areas are all easy to spot, as are harbours, marinas and even pubs – making these charts perfect for a lazy, long weekend of sailing around the Cornish Riviera.

Click here to see our full range of Admiralty charts