SailTales - Tell us Your Story


www.sailtales.co.uk or skipper@sailtales.co.uk

Course to steer

One of the golden rules of cruising, particularly around Britain, is never to set out without a reasonably considered passage plan. Well, as far as launching SailTales.co.uk went, "I just drew a line on the chart and set off on that heading." says Geoff Evans, founder of SailTales.co.uk. "That was in July 2003. Since then I have found that deviation, variation and leeway affect more than just terrestrial navigation."

"I started Sailtales.co.uk as a site for the exchange of sailing stories with the idea that, whether we are complete novices or seasoned sailors, we can all learn from the experiences of others. The site's slogan is 'Tell us Your Story' and that is essentially what it is about. I also believe that the language of sailing, though rich, can alienate some newcomers to the sport (or is that just me?) so, I am keen to encourage clearly written instructional texts which explain any nautical terms used. By this I do not mean that we should say 'left and right' instead of 'port and starboard' but we should take care not to leave behind those who may have a limited sailing vocabulary".

"Having no formal plan, we frequently find that we are not sure of our course and, at these times we "heave to" (basically park the boat at sea), put the kettle on and take a look around. We have made many course corrections and the site continues to evolve as we react to the messages we receive from visitors and the occasional brainwave of our own. Currently the crew list (originally a visitor's suggestion) is showing some promise and, as a result, we are working on highlighting this section. We are also developing a membership scheme to allow those looking for crewing opportunities to manage their own little piece of the site".

Fun and Free

The site includes a "Fun & Free" section which is intended to provide some bonus material for visitors including a downloadable picture puzzle game, a printable A4 year planner (very handy) and an invitation to "Be in our Banner". You may notice that every time you view the site or select a page you see a different arrangement of pictures in the banner. SailTales encourage you to send in your own jolly sailing pictures for display in their banner and in the "Banner Hall of Fame".

Vicarious Voyage

The 'Fun & Free' section also includes the "Vicarious Voyage". Geoff explains;
"The idea is to attempt to vicariously circumnavigate Britain each year through the accounts and pictures of your individual short passages. I can't pretend to be pleased with the progress so far. It would seem that the good ship 'Vicarious Adventurer' didn't slip her home mooring last year but I am optimistic that everyone has just been waiting for these long winter nights to find time to write up their logs and send them in".

Finally, Geoff would like to mention that SailTales are currently looking for a cartoonist with knowledge of sailing to supplement some of the contributions, particularly those without pictures. If you are interested in helping out please contact him at skipper@sailtales.co.uk.