Emergency plan, food, gear vital for long-distance sailing
JUNEAU, Alaska — It’s a romantic idea — sailing across the ocean, sleeping under the stars.
But earlier this week, the U.S. Navy rescued two women adrift in the Pacific Ocean about 900 miles off Japan, at sea for months after their sailboat became disabled.
While some people wing it, experts recommend thoroughly understanding what you’re getting into and being as prepared as possible — taking lessons, having emergency and navigational gear, and packing more than enough food.
John Neal, who with his wife, Amanda, conducts sail-training trips and seminars through their company, Washington state-based Mahina Expeditions, said crossing oceans is easier than it’s ever been. He cites modern instrumentation and sail-handling systems as examples.