S, for SAILING

Author: Somogyi Lóránt

Autumn is here again – teaching is

starting again, schools are full of

bustling students, beaches are becoming

desolated. Warm, long summer

days are getting shorter as slowly darkness

and cold take over. The restaurants

and bars, which are open seasonally, will

close, the crowds of the beaches will disappear,

and the life will only take place

in the ports. This place, people enjoy the

late summer weather and the blowing

breeze. At such times, sailing is a pleasure,

because no matter how autumn comes in,

the beauty of evanishment is indescribably

gorgeous on water.

The sailing season is far from being over

with the arrival of autumn. Although,

summer sailors are already spending their

time with winterising their boat, while the

true race lovers are preparing their boat

for the next races. Many competitions are

held across Europe this time, as the weather

promises to be much favourable than

on hot summer days.

MAJOR TITLED SAILING RACES DURING AUTUMN

SILVERRUDDER™ – CHALLENGE OF THE SEA

It is an annual singlehanded boat race, which takes

place at autumn equinox this year in Svendborg

on the island of Fyn, Denmark. Silverrudder Challenge

has 7 boat categories, and there will be an

announced winner in each of them. That is, if the

competitors are able to beat last year’s winners in

speed. As the number of contestants increase, the

competition is also getting tougher. But the challenge

is still the same: 134 Nautic Miles around Fyn

– only you and your boat!

In 2012 the race was launched and attracted fi fteen

contestants. In 2013, a hundred contestants signed

up, among them sailors from Sweden, Germany,

Switzerland, Slovenia and Denmark. Silverrudder

Challenge 2013 was the biggest international offshore

singlehanded regatta in the world and this

number was doubled in 2014 where more than

two-hundred racers were registered. In 2015 the

race was sold out on the third of May, a three month

prior to race start when three-hundred and thirty

had registered, and now there are four-hundred

and thirty confi rmed entries in SILVERRUDDER

2020 – once again the greatest non-stop singlehanded

offshore category race ever in the world.

The number of competitors was limited

to 500 boats. This competition is

so widespread among sailors that the

seats are already full in the fi rst hour

after the registration opens.

FÉLSZIGET-KERÜLŐ SZÉCHENYI

ISTVÁN EMLÉKVERSENY

We can sail in the ‘sea’ of Hungary,

admiring the wonderful panorama

of Lake Balaton around Tihany at

Istvan Széchenyi Memorial Competition.

This event is very popular among

Hungarian sailors and provides

a spectacular panorama for the

onlookers.

The absolute winner of the competition

will win the “Széchenyi István

Vándordíj” founded by the Széchenyi

István Society of Balatonfüred

in 2001 and the blue and red ribbon

representing the colours of the

Széchenyi family

WHAT DO WE HAVE TO LOOK FOR WHEN STORING

A SAILING SHIP IN WINTER?

• During crane lifting, the strap should

not crack the side of the boat or the

railing, nor damage the propeller or

speedometer at the bottom of the boat.

• The algae layer must be washed off

with a high-pressure water washer, because

if it dries, it is very diffi cult to

remove.

• It is recommended to cover against the

destructive effects of rain and snow as well

as UV radiation.

• Ventilation must be provided under the

tarpaulin.

• The possible fl are of the tarpaulin can rub

off the glossy surfaces and varnishes of the

ship in strong winds.

• Supporting sailboat will ensure the boat

is stable against wind pressure and snow

loads.

• The keel should always be supported, “not

hanging”.

• The tightness of the tarpaulin must ensure

that the water drains and the snow slide

down, so that “puddles, water sacks” do

not form on it.

• Remove the wind indicator from the top of

the mast to prevent damage.

• Inside the boat, remove water from water

tank, toilet, sink, engine cooling water space,

exhaust system, water heater, etc. because

ice can rip them.

• Leave the water taps on the equipment

open to avoid freezing cracks.

• Antifreeze is used on engine, toilet, but this

is prohibited in water tank, because this

liquid is toxic.

• Do not leave any food on the boat.

• To prevent mould, provide ventilation

inside the boat, it is good to use

salt tablets for collecting water vapor.

Mattresses should be removed

and stored in a dry place. If it is not

possible leave them in the boat.

• Fold the dry sails – be aware of leaves

– and place the sails in the storage

bag.

• Charge batteries full and turn of the

main switch. In every month, the level

of the batteries should be checked.

• Fill the fuel tank to prevent condensation.

• The sailboat should preferably be

oriented to northwest, especially if it

is in a windy place. So, we don’t have

to fear that a winter storm makes

damages.

Once we have

done the above

tasks, we can

sleep peacefully,

our boat

will survive the

winter safely