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Copyright © Wijma Marine Consultants 2019
1.
INTRODUCTION
This manual has been compiled to help you to operate your S\V14 with
safety and pleasure. Please read it carefully and familiarize yourself with
the boat before using it. This owner's manual is not a course on boating
safety or seamanship. If this is your first boat, or if you are changing to a
type of boat you are not familiar with, for your own comfort and safety,
please ensure that you obtain handling and operating experience before
“operating” the boat. The national sailing federation or yacht club wil
l be
pleased to advise you of local sail training schools, or competent
instructors.
Ensure that the anticipated wind and sea conditions will correspond to
the design category of your boat, and that you and your crew are able to
handle the boat in these conditions. Even when your boat is categorized
for them, the sea and wind conditions corresponding to the design
categories A, B and C range from severe storm conditions for category A,
to strong conditions for the top of category C, open to the hazards of a
freak wave or gust. These are therefore dangerous conditions, where only
a competent, fit and trained crew using a well-maintained boat can
satisfactorily operate. Do not exceed the maximum recommended load
(see section 2.5) as this could subject the boat to excessive loads with
possible structural damage. The reduced freeboard will also increase the
risk of flooding in sever conditions.
This owner's manual is not a detailed maintenance or trouble-shooting
guide. In the case of difficulty, refer to the boat builder or his
representative. If maintenance manuals are provided, use it for the boat's
maintenance. Always use trained and competent people for maintenance,
repairs or modifications. Modifications that may affect the safety
characteristics of the boat should be assessed, executed and documented
by competent contractors. The boat builder cannot be held responsible
for modifications that he has not approved.
In some countries, a licence or authorization are required, or specific
regulations are in force that must be met before operating the boat.
Always maintain your boat properly and make allowance for the
deterioration that will occur over time and as a result of heavy use or
misuse of the boat. Any boat, no matter how strong it may be, can be
severely damaged if not used properly. This is not compatible with safe
boating. Always adjust the speed and heading of the boat to suit the sea
conditions.
The boat should have onboard the appropriate safety equipment
(lifejackets, harness, etc.) according to the type of boat, weather
conditions, etc. This equipment is mandatory in some countries. The crew
should be familiar with the use of all safety equipment and emergency
manoeuvring (man overboard recovery, towing, etc.), sailing schools and
clubs regularly organize drill sessions.
All persons should wear a suitable buoyancy aid (life jacket/personal
floatation device) when on deck. Note that, in some countries, it is a legal
requirement to wear a buoyancy aid that complies with their national
regulations at all times.
Please keep this manual in a secure place, and hand it over to the new
owner when you sell the boat.
