SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY WITH YOUR RENTAL BOAT IN MENORCA
At 7 Faros Menorca SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY and we want to share some tips to ensure that the day’s sailing is an unforgettable experience.
As skipper of the boat you are responsible for both the boat and your companions.
Remember that we are enjoying a day of sailing, there is no hurry to reach any point and we must respect the boat, the sea and the regulations established by our authorities.
DEPARTURE AND ENTRANCE OF PORT AND COVES.
- Upon delivery of the boat our responsible will explain all aspects related to the use of the boat, safety equipment and review the weather report, please do not hesitate to ask any questions.
- To exit and enter the port, sail close to your right side.
- When you decide to return to the harbor contact us, our colleagues will confirm the entrance to the harbor and will meet you at the dock.
- Both in the harbor and in the coves and beaches you have to sail very slowly, respecting the distance with the other boats. Keep in mind that these are areas where there may be people swimming near or among the boats.
- Attention to the buoys that we find and especially the yellow ones, they are demarcations of bathers and it is forbidden to exceed them.
DURING NAVIGATION
- At all times we have to keep the weights distributed so that the boat is balanced and stable, we must pay attention both when ascending and descending.
- It is not allowed to sail less than 100 meters or more than 500 meters from the coast for safety, nor can we pass through caves or confined spaces.
- It is totally forbidden to drag floats, mattresses or any floating object. Of course, it is also forbidden to tow or drag any crew member.
- During navigation maintain an appropriate and moderate speed, avoiding sudden movements that may result in the fall of objects or people, we must pay special attention to the crossing with other boats because they generate waves in their path.
ANCHORING
- Once the anchoring place is chosen, place the boat facing the wind, put it in neutral and drop the anchor with all its rope to the bottom of the sea.
- Let the wind slowly move your boat until the anchor is stuck to the bottom, take as reference other boats or coastal formations to check that the boat has remained stable and does not move the anchor along the bottom.
- Make sure you have anchored well before turning off the engine, check that there is enough safety distance from other boats and demarcations (buoys), remember that it is not allowed to leave the boat at any time.
- Make sure that the engine is off before jumping into the water to swim and NEVER turn it on if there are swimmers nearby.
- We share with you good practices to preserve Posidonia in our day.
- Visit the website of the Balearic Government dedicated to the protection of the Posidonia http://posidonia.caib.es/
- Here you can find useful information and a map with the Posidonia meadows that will be helpful for the anchoring of your boat charter Menorca. https://atlasposidonia.com/es/para-navegantes/
- Before dropping the anchor of your boat rental Menorca check the seabed, calculate the anchor drop and the wind direction so that we are always anchored on a sandy bottom. When weighing anchor avoid dragging the anchor along the seabed.
- Avoid activities that may harm the marine flora and fauna and of course do not dump any waste into the sea,
STARTING THE ENGINE
- Engine operation is very simple. Just leave the gearshift in neutral, check that the man overboard system is connected correctly (red bellows) and turn the ignition key.
- Forward gear. Press the button on the throttle lever and move the lever slightly forward.
- Reverse gear. Press the button on the throttle lever and move the lever slightly backwards.
- To shift from forward to reverse and vice versa, always make a brief stop with the lever in neutral.
- Steering. The boat works just like your car with a steering wheel, keep in mind that the boat reacts with some delay to steering wheel movements. Move the steering wheel gently and let the boat react.
IF THE ENGINE DOES NOT START
- If the engine does not start, check these items.
- The gearshift lever is in neutral. The waterman is correctly connected. I have turned the ignition key on.
- Check that there is fuel in the tank and that the fuel hose under the seat is properly connected.
- If the boat still does not start, contact us immediately for assistance but in the meantime proceed to secure your boat so that it does not drift offshore. Please note that depending on the area you are in, it may take us 30 to 50 minutes to come to your assistance.
- If you are already anchored in a cove, stay there quietly enjoying the anchorage.
- If you are close to shore, drop anchor in the water until the boat stabilizes.
- If you are far from the coast, ask for help from the boats around you. At sea, the first and quickest help comes from nearby boats.
SAFETY
- Do not forget to bring sunscreen, towels, sunglasses, snacks or your lunch and above all ice and enough water for the day.
- There are limits of navigation area, they are established for safety, exceeding them will result in breach of contract and loss of bail but also put at risk the boat and crew. Remember that the boats have GPS location systems and will warn us if these limits are exceeded.
- Never drive the boat under the influence of alcohol or any other narcotic substance.
- Always keep a contact cell phone enabled.
- We recommend downloading the NAVIONICS app with which you can track your route in real time and the WINDY app to track the wind and weather during your day.
Finally, let’s remember that Menorca is a Biosphere Reserve, let’s take care of the island so that it remains a unique place!