Resources
Resources for Sailors
CONDITIONS
Port Ewen Weather: https://weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/l/USNY1158:1:US
SAFETY
KSC Membership is Required. All participants in KSC sailing events must join Kingston Sailing Club by fulfilling out a registration form, signing the waiver, and paying dues. You may do this online.
Life Jackets: The US Coast Guard requires each person to have a Coast Guard-approved life jacket on board while they are sailing. Many KSC sailors wear their life jackets at all times when sailing. Individual skippers will decide when their crew must wear life jacket/personal flotation device (PFD) during sailing. If you have your own PFD which fits you snugly, please bring it to KSC sailing events. You can also buy one online or at local sporting goods stores.
Swim Lessons: The YMCA of Kingston & Ulster County offers swim lessons, and we encourage anyone who is interested in learning or strengthening this skill to register for classes. The Y Swim Lessons series accommodates varying abilities to help advanced swimmers move to higher levels, while allowing other students who need more instruction to learn at their own pace. Learn more at www.ymcaulster.org/swim-lessons.
Safety Education: KSC asks all sailors to take a boating safety course before they begin sailing with Kingston Sailing Club. People who have already sailed benefit from completing a boating safety course as well. The BoatUS Foundation’s online course is free, and we strongly encourage all of our participants to enroll. Learn more at www.boatus.org/newyork.
Boating Regulation Changes: Motor boat operators born on or after January 1, 1988 will need a boating certificate by December 31, 2022 to operate in New York State waters. All operators of motorized vessels regardless of age will need a boating safety certificate by January 1, 2025. Find out more here
Engine Cut Off Switch (ECOS): Motorboat operators must use the “kill” switch on motorboats under 26 feet, that have or are supposed to have them.
Fire Extinguisher Regulations (click here) takes effect on April 20, 2022. Please click the link for more important information.
Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Safety Checks: Vessels passing safety checks are awarded a U.S. Coast Guard / Auxiliary Decal that informs Coast Guard / Auxiliary, Harbor Patrol, Sheriff’s & Police, and other boating law-enforcement & safety agencies that your boat was in full compliance with all Federal and State boating laws during a safety check for that year. Best of all every Vessel Safety Check is 100% Free of charge! The peace of mind that your boat meets federal safety standards and that in an emergency you will have the necessary equipment to save lives and summon help. In many cases boating insurance agencies offer discounts for vessels which undergo a Vessel Safety Check every year. All decals and safety checks are void December 31st of year they are inspected, they are also void should the operator /owner fail to maintain the vessels equipment or the vessel itself to the standard at the time of the safety check. Click the following link, then fill out the short request form and click the submit button. The CGAux will locate the closest volunteer vessel examiners within 30 miles of your location and request that they contact you and set up a Vessel Safety Check for your boat. http://cgaux.org/vsc/
Coastal Safety at Sea is a highly recommended online course sponsored by US Sailing designed to provide you with essential safety information that you can use immediately on the water. Topics include: Giving Assistance, Personal Safety Gear, Crew Overboard Rescue, Emergency Communication, Search and Rescue. This course satisfies the requirements for Coastal Races being sailed under United States Special Equipment Regulations 4.3.2. You will receive a Coastal Safety at Sea Certificate upon completion. https://shop.ussailing.org/online-coastal-safety-at-sea-code.html
Maritime Safety Guide Guide: Though this document is written for commercial mariners, there is some relevant information for recreational sailors as well. www.lanierlawfirm.com/maritime-safety-guide/