Master Radio Sailing with Play2Sail: your ultimate FAQs guide

Discover sailing with Play2Sail: insights from our rc sailing academy FAQ guide

Welcome to the Play2Sail smart FAQ guide, where we transform sailing novices into confident sailors and rc yachting enthusiasts of all levels can find answers to their most pressing questions.

Whether you're interested in radio-controlled yachting or learning the essentials of sailing, our comprehensive FAQs and resources are here to guide you every step of the way to enhance your sailing journey or to refine your skills.

Over the years, we've had the privilege of hosting numerous RC sailing academy sessions on our piers, where sailors of all levels gather to learn, share, and enjoy the art of sailing. During these sessions, we've listened to your most pressing questions and curiosities, which have inspired this comprehensive FAQ guide. Whether you're setting sail for the first time or honing your skills in RC yachting, our FAQs provide valuable insights to enhance your sailing journey.

From understanding wind dynamics to mastering steering techniques, our guide is designed to answer your questions and help you navigate the waters with confidence.

Explore RC Sailing with confidence:
Free resources at your fingertips >

Start your saiing adventure with our free online resources, designed expecially for beginners. Learn the basics, gain essential skills, and build your confidence with expert tips, and easy-to-follow guides. No fees, no membership - just pure learning and fun. Discover Play2Sail Academy today!

Starting with RC Sailing

• Beginner's Guide:

  FAQ: What resources are available to help beginners start sailing a radio-controlled yacht?

  Answer: The Play2Sail e-manual provides comprehensive guidance. Learn more.

Sailing Basics and Techniques

• Understanding the Wind:

  FAQ: How can I use the wind to move my boat in the desired direction?

  Answer: Adjust the sails to keep air flowing over them, generating lift. Learn more.

• Sailing Terms and Points:

  FAQ: What are the basic points of sail?

  Answer: Includes close hauled, beam reach, and running downwind. Explore the diagram.

  FAQ: What is the "no-go zone" in sailing?

  Answer: It's an area where the boat cannot sail directly into the wind, extending 45° on either side. Understand more.

Yachting Terminology

• Learning the Language:

  FAQ: What is the bow of a boat?

  Answer: The front of the boat. Learn more.

Wind Direction and Management

• Checking Wind Direction:

  FAQ: What are some easy ways to check the wind direction while sailing?

  Answer: Use flags, smoke, clouds, or meteorological stations. Explore methods.

Steering Techniques

• Mastering Steering:

  FAQ: What are the basic actions to master steering a radio-controlled sailboat?

  Answer: Actions include directing, moving, accelerating, changing direction, stopping, luffing, or bearing away. Learn more.

Radio Sailing Control

• Using the Radio Unit:

  FAQ: How does the radio unit control the sailboat?

  Answer: It controls the rudder and sail trim using a two-stick surface transmitter. Learn more.

Sail Trimming Techniques

• Trimming for Speed:

  FAQ: Why is sail trimming important for a radio-controlled sailboat?

  Answer: It maximizes efficiency by catching the wind effectively. Learn more.

Docking and Un-Docking Techniques

• Leaving and Returning to the Pier:

  FAQ: How do I leave the pier with a radio-controlled sailboat when the pier is downwind?

  Answer: Sail upwind by turning the bow slightly away from the no-go zone and tightening the sails. Learn more.

Understanding Wind Shifts

• Managing Wind Shifts:

  FAQ: How do wind shifts affect my radio-controlled sailboat during a race?

  Answer: They create opportunities or losses; managing lifts and headers is crucial. Learn more.

Fast Sailing Techniques

• Gaining Speed:

  FAQ: How can I make my RC sailboat sail faster?

  Answer: Trim and adjust the sails for maximum efficiency and catch more wind strength. Learn more.

Sailing Racing Rules

• Understanding the Rules:

  FAQ: What is the basic principle behind the rules of sailing racing?

  Answer: Avoid collisions, ensuring safety and sportsmanship. Learn more.

RC Sailing Regatta Preparation

• Preparing for Competition:

  FAQ: What are the fundamental tips for preparing for your first RC sailing regatta?

  Answer: Practice essential maneuvers and focus on boat handling. Learn more.

  FAQ: How can I handle distractions during a regatta?

  Answer: Stay focused on steering and trimming sails. Read more.

RC Yachting Race Courses

• Exploring Race Courses:

  FAQ: What are the different race courses available for radio yachting at the Play2Sail Arena?

  Answer: Courses include "Olympic," "Triangle," "Windward-Leeward," and "Arena." Learn more.

  FAQ: How is the starting line set for these race courses?

  Answer: It's set into the wind, perpendicular to the wind direction. Explore starting line details.

Instructors' top picks: the 7 most asked questions at Play2Sail Academy

At Play2Sail Academy, we are passionate about sharing our knowledge and love for sailing. Over countless conversations on the Academy's piers, we’ve identified a few recurring questions that resonate with sailors of all levels. These FAQs not only reflect common curiosities but also offer valuable insights into the art of sailing. Here are the top five questions that our instructors love to answer, providing guidance and inspiration to help you navigate your sailing journey with confidence.

“What are the fundamental tips for preparing for my first RC sailing regatta?”

• Answer: Practice essential maneuvers like tacks, gybes, and mark roundings. Stay focused on boat handling and sail trimming for maximum efficiency. Learn more about regatta preparation.

“How important is it to know the rules of sailing racing?”

• Answer: Knowing the rules helps avoid collisions and ensures fair competition. Stay in control of your boat and understand the rights of way. Understand the rules of sailing racing.

“What is a "header" in sailing?”

• Answer: A header occurs when the wind shifts towards the bow, causing the sails to luff. This requires steering adjustments to maintain course. Understand headers and their impact.

”What is the range limitation of the radio control system?”

• Answer: The range is limited by the radio transmitter and receiver capabilities and your visibility. It's recommended to sail within the area marked by floating marks for optimal control. Read more about range and control.

“How can I detect wind shifts without a compass or landmarks?”

• Answer: Relate your position to other sailboats to detect wind shifts. A header on one tack is automatically a lift on the other, so observe your opponents. Learn how to detect wind shifts.

“What are the key steps to set an effective starting strategy for an RC sailboat regatta?”

• Answer: Key steps include determining the favored tack on the first leg, identifying the upwind end of the starting line, and planning your position on the line. Learn more about starting strategy basics.

“What are some easy ways to check the wind direction while sailing?”

• Answer: You can check the wind direction by observing flags, smoke, moving clouds, or using meteorological weather stations. Feeling the wind on your face or looking at water ripples also helps. Explore easy methods to check wind direction.

Get more with our Play2Sail e-manual:
download it now!

It is a digital publication that is downloadable in a printable .pdf format file. RC Sailors from 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇦🇺🇸🇪🇳🇿🇨🇦🇮🇹🇿🇦🇳🇱🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇳🇭🇰… have already downloaded it.

Don't miss the opportunity to elevate your rc sailing experience and sail with confidence:

Embarking on your sailing journey with the Play2Sail guide is just the beginning of an exciting adventure in mastering the art of RC yachting. Our resources are crafted to equip you with the knowledge and confidence you need to navigate the waters with ease and skill. Whether you're a novice or an experienced sailor, our comprehensive Play2Sail e-manual is packed with expert tips, detailed diagrams, and practical advice to enhance your sailing skills and understanding.

This manual is your essential resource for mastering the seas, offering insights that cater to both beginners and seasoned sailors. Don't miss the opportunity to elevate your sailing experience and sail with confidence.

But that's not all! Enhance your sailing experience with our exclusive Play2Sail-themed products available in our e-shop. Discover our sailing mugs and premium sailing posters, perfect for capturing the spirit of your RC yachting passion.

As a special offer, use the code SAIL10 at checkout to enjoy a 10% discount on your purchase.

SHARE YOUR #SAILING PASSION: order online exclusive mugs & posters

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Easy and safe moorings for yachts cruising the Höga Kusten [GÄSTHAMN]

To daily or long distance sailors visiting the area of the Skuleberget mountain and the Skuleskogen national park during their holidays in the High Coast, the guest harbor in Docksta provides over 15 single berths for boats of any sizes.

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At your arrival at Docksta Havet gästhamn, if possible, we assist you during your approach at the harbour and help you while you are mooring your boat.

We assign your own berthing space, so you not have to share the space on the dock with another boat.

Yachts can safely & easily docking in 3 ways:

 1#
between y-booms mooring:

There are 10 single berths between y-booms (8m) which have different widths: from 3.3m to 4.6m. All seats on the floating docks have deep water and are suitable for mooring sailboats with bulb keels.

2#
berthing alongside the main pier:

Alongside the southerly section of the main pier, the water is deep to easily moor a sailing or motor boat even more than 55/60'. We reserve the northerly section of the pier for motor yachts only.

3#
docking external on the floathing wharfs, alongside the south side of the pontoons:

Moorings are well protected from the main winds. Southerly winds form small waves in the Dockstafjärden.

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All boats places have proper marine bollards or eye bolts suitable for safely mooring pleasure boats.

We assign the boat places considering the boat dimensions in relation with the spaces availability, but also the winds conditions or, when is possible, to facilitate the crew in getting on and off the boat on the piers (mooring alongside).

If you want information or have specific needs, you can contact us; if we are on the docks when you arrive, talk with us before starting mooring.

If you’re concerned about the ability of your crew to maneuver into the allocated berth, it’s worth asking for an alternative.

Please note, some berths that may seem available because they are not occupied, may actually be booked: if possible, we indicate them with a "booked" sign :)

Know where you are berthing your boat

For Sailors visiting our marina for the first time, here is the layout of the pontoons - and the berth numbering system used.

With this information at hand, when you call us to book your berth - if you're directed into somewhere like: "First pontoon, berth nr. 03 between y-booms" or "alongside the main pier" - you can figure out exactly where you're going :)

DOCK YOUR BOAT AT A SAFE GÄSTHAMN

In case you’re wondering why sailors need a safe harbor: a safe harbor is the guarantee of a safe place to dock your boat without having to worry about the rough waters, bad weather conditions or other yachts moored nearby.

In a safe harbor, you can kick back, relax, and enjoy your stay at the marina without safety concerns.

Docksta Havet Gästhamn is one of the harbor in the Höga Kusten with the safest moorings where to berth a yacht. It’s a sailors friendly marina located in Docksta in the heart the High Coast World Heritage.

Our marina is nestled deeper in the cove, providing your boat with more protection since the hills protect the piers, waves are not so big and there is less wind. So if you’re on the hunt for a safe harbor during your sailing holiday in the Hüoga Kusten, your are welcome! :)

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BOOK A SPOT? CALL US (076) 3136628

 

SHARE YOUR #HIGHCOASTSAILOR PASSION:

How to reach the Skuleskogen National Park by bus from Docksta

Skuleskogen National Park: overview of the High Coast archipelago from Slåttdalsberget hill.

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It is easier to reach the Skuleskogen from the marina in Docksta. If your are cruising the Höga Kusten, leave your boat safely moored, take the bus and take your walk to the national park.

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Overview of Docksta Havet guest harbour. Photo © Courtesy of Mia Wålsten S/Y Atla3

At Docksta Havet sailors find dedicated services and moorings to safely leave their boat during their exploring walks of the surroundings.

From the pier of Docksta Havet, now you can head to the nearest park entrances (named “Entré Syd” and “Entré Väst”) also by bus.

The southerly entrance of Skuleskogen is the nearest to the Slåttdals crevice (Slåttdalskrevan).

The bus line is called Världsarvsbussen and the bus ticket is free.

The nearest bus stops from the marina in Docksta are:

“Busshpl E4:an Docksta” (Docksta Marina) that is just 50m from our guest harbour, and “Friluftsbyn” or “Skuleberget Naturum”.

From there the bus takes you to the Skuleskogens Nationalpark, where start the well marked paths of varying degrees of difficulty that lead you to everything worth seeing, within forests, hills, bays.

TIMETABLE 2023 of the bus service to the Skuleskogen National Park during the summer

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Tidtabell Världsarvsbussen 2023: Tidtabell för sommartrafik vid Skuleberget, alla dagar 1 july - 6 augusti 2023. Source: www.hogakusten.com/en/world-heritage-bus

Main attractions are: Hiking on The spectacular views over the national park´s dramatic landscape and the surrounding High Coast.

The 7 meters wide, 30 meters deep “Hell Gab” crevice, which cleaves the Slåttdal mountain in two.

Skuleskogen is one of the few remaining large, ancient forests of the coastal region. The red coloured Nordingrå granite cliffs, the large uplift coast and the coniferous forest, with rare species of lichens, characterize per park.

Hang your #HÖGAKUSTEN passion on a wall:

Safe moorings near Skuleberget & Skuleskogen natural areas

Discover a dedicated range of facilities for sailors >

Docksta is the landmark for Baltic Sea cruisers in the Höga Kusten

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When in 2006 the area and the structures of the marina in Docksta were restored, the first goal was to reintroduce moorings, facilities and dedicated services to support sailors & cruisers. It was too long that Docksta was waiting to welcome the long distance sailors again. Second goal was to support sailing experiences within the High Coast and to awake new focus and interest in the natural, cultural and touristic coastal assets of the Höga Kusten / High Coast UNESCO World Heritage.

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The beauty of the High Coast waters and its natural coastlines is a great value to share within the international sailing community.

In the Baltic Sea, two general growing trends involve more long distance cruisers:

• still looking for sailing more close to the Nature, they are escaping from even nice sailing destinations that during the summer are too crowded of boats & people;

• they don't just love sailing open waters or wild mooring: sailors move inland for great outdoor experiences to share with people onboard.

So, year after year, more boats and crews are sailing up to the northern part of the Baltic Sea and heading to the Swedish High Coast & the Finnish Kvarken Archipelago.

Overview of the piers of the "gästhamn" and Dockstafjärden.

Docksta has become a landmark for many Baltic Sea Cruisers in discovering the best spots: here they can safely moor their sailboats or motor yachts but also can discover the best that the High Coast has to offer ashore.

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The guest harbour's location is in the heart of the UNESCO world heritage: in Docksta, we encourage people to pair sailing with walking, biking, hiking (and trail running!) from the piers.

Sailors left their yachts safely moored and start from the marina to enjoy the natural surroundings, the main outdoor activities & the events around Skule mountain.

We highlight them the most stunning paths around Docksta, at different levels of difficulty but overall quite easy and accessible to any family. The national park of Skuleberget is easy to reach from our piers also by bicycle (sailors can also rent our MTB).

We engage them, online and onsite, with free maps for hiking / walking / running

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Baltic Cruisers in the Höga Kusten are coming at Docksta Havet guest harbor from all over the nordic Countries (Sweden, particularly from south of Sweden and Stockholm, Finland, Denmark and Norway), and from abroad (mainly Germany, UK, Holland and POLAND).

In the gästhamn they find fresh water to refill their tanks and electricity to recharge the boat's batteries, comfortable toilets & showers, a washing machine & dryer to refresh onboard linens & laundry. Docksta village offers useful commercial facilities and shops easy to reach from the piers and connections with the bus lines, the main road (E4) or local TAXI services. On average, they stop at the moorings for a couple of nights.

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At Docksta Havet Base Camp, sailors find support across three main assets:

•

Welcoming them with facilities and quality services for crew and boats moored at the guest harbour.

•

Informing them about the best outdoor activities & natural assets in the area of Skuleberget and Skuleskogen.

•

Engaging them in nautical activities & pop-up events on the "waterfront" playground in Docksta and in the Sailor's Club House.

At Docksta Havet Base Camp we care of boat & crew: if possible, we assist sailors during their docking and help them while they are mooring the boat.

Skippers, crew and their Guests are welcome into the Sailor's Club House:

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For sailors entusiasts that are dreaming to sail the waters of the Höga Kusten UNESCO world heritage in Sweden, online we share topics about sailing and outdoor from the High Coast. 

Highlighting what High Coast Sailors love to do:

SHARING MAPS & TIPs to get the most:

Docksta Havet is HLR: Cruising Association Honorary Local Representative for the High Coast

CA Cruising Association crest.

The network of CA Honorary Local Representatives (HLRs) aim to support Cruising Association members while they are visiting or planning to visit specific harbors/ports, or areas like the Höga Kusten, by providing helpful assistance, information and advice - plus a friendly welcome! - to yachtsmen and their crew.

CA Baltic Section of Cruising Association

Founded in 1908, the Cruising Association ("CA" website is www.cruising.org.uk) has several thousand members, of whom about 900 are "CA Baltic section" members that means they have sailed in Baltic Sea, or are interested in sailing in all the Countries bordering the Baltic Sea - Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland (Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands also form part of the section). Quite a few members are non-British, and/or non-UK-based.

The aim of CA is to encourage cruising in sail yachts and motor yachts. What is really impressive is how CA Members like and are effective to share experiences, knowledge, and fun to get the most out of their cruising. Information is distribuited through the section's newsletter, website and the forum. For info, please contact the Section Secretaries, Graham and Fay Cattell, at baltic@theca.org.uk or CA staff at office@theca.org.uk.

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Docksta Havet Base Camp is a guest harbour member of the Riksföreningen Gästhamnar Sverige (RGS), its quality is certified 4 stars out of 5.

Here you can reach or contact us:

Docksta Havet AB
Hamnen 10 - 87396 Docksta - Sweden
phone: +46 76 3136628
email: dockstahavet@gmail.com

Australian Sailors enjoy the High Coast sailing even late in the season

Even late in September - definitely "low" season, for Baltic cruisers - two Australian sailors enjoy the natural beauty of our coastal heritage.

This beautiful black sailing boat, flying Canadian flag and coming from Vancouver, paid a visit at Docksta Havet Base Camp. High Coast Sailors and their boats have always great stories to share with us! This time was no exception.

The boat was designed by the designer of the two "Gretel", Australian America's Cup yachts, and built in Canada by one of the two sailors onboard. "Skookum I" has a twin sister in Sidney. She was built - and is owned, by the second sailor aboard.

Skookum I, designed by Alan Payne and built in Canada

They have been exploring the Höga Kusten World Heritage together for the first time, cruising from south of Helsinki for a quick tour before the winter.

During the couple of days spent at the marina in Docksta, they went to the Skuleberget but they have been not lucky with the weather, it was raining and foggy. So, they enjoyed riding to  Naturum and had lunch there.

Free download here the map of the best outdoor activities
in the area of Skuleberget, starting from the pier of Docksta Havet.

It was really nice to have them moored at the Base Camp and have a coffee together at the Sailor's Club House talking about boats & sailing! Here you see the short video we collected when they left the mooring to continue their cruising.

Finnish Sailors (on a beautiful boat) cruising the High Coast [VIDEO]

We collected some videos shared by the crew of the finnish sailing boat "Ottiliana" during their last summer cruising into the Höga Kusten. Particularly, they report their experience into the area of Skuleberget, the moment of taking off from the pier of the marina in Docksta and very nice moments of sailing into the Ullångersfjärden and Dockstafjärden.

VIDEO I

S/Y OTTILIANA sailing the Ullångersfjärden to Docksta

Höga Kusten tour 2017

HIGH COAST SAILOR'S TIPS | Explore with your boat the more internal coast: sailing to Skuleberget and Skuleskogen National Park >

VIDEO II

High Coast Sailors & Friends exploring the top of Skuleberget starting #fromthepier at Docksta Havet Base Camp

Höga Kusten tour 2017

Here you find info & map we provided to this crew to hike the top of the Skuleberget mountain following the new path "Höga Kusten Stigen" >

VIDEO III

Great sunny & windy sailing from Docksta to discover the stunning coastline of the Höga Kusten World Heritage

Höga Kusten tour 2017

S/Y Ottiliana moored at Docksta Havet Base Camp with on background the Skuleberget

Short presentation of Ottiliana and content of her YouTube channel.

FEW INFO ABOUT THE BEAUTIFUL WOODEN BOAT "OTTILIANA"

S/Y Ottiliana is a traditionally clinker built cutter rigged sailing boat. Materials used to build her are finnish pine, teak, mahogny, iroko and Siberian larch. Grand Scylla type boat was built in Luvia Sådö boat yard by Björn "Nalle" Nyberg and launched 2003. Here will be shown videos of maintaining and sailing Ottiliana in the Baltic and in the archipelago.

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OTTILIANA SAILING ON INSTAGRAM >