Jackie looking for reefs, coming onto the Bahamas. Photo: Supplied
Editors note: Jackie Parry is originally from the UK. Disillusioned with life she ran away to Australia and met and married Noel. They decided to buy a boat and set sail. It was Noel’s idea to go sailing and somehow he just knew Jackie would fit right in.
Mariah II took Jackie and Noel around the world. Pyewacket II, their second boat, purchased in San Francisco took them across the Pacific Ocean for a second time on a more southerly route.
Having settled in Brogo in recent years Jackie and her team are keen to share their knowledge, passion and first-hand experience via SisterShip Training, SisterShip Magazine, and SisterShip Press. Jackie and her ambitions are being supported via the Bega Valley Innovation Hub.
May the winds forever be at your back Jackie!
Jackie Parry, SisterShip Training. Photo: Ian Campbell.
As a recreational sailor and commercial skipper, I know the art of navigation is imperative.
My passion for navigation via paper charts has landed me in hot water with some sailors who believe this method archaic, but it’s always kept me in safe water – while sailing around the world one-and-a-half times, working internationally on various vessels, and performing rescue duties as a marine rescue skipper.
Complete reliance on electronic charts can be dangerous and at times, foolhardy.
If you don’t know how to update and correct your electronic charts, or if you forget to zoom in and out of every screen, or do not locate, read, and make allowance for the Zone of Confidence, you are playing reef-lottery. A paper chart will indicate all isolated reefs and dangers.
SisterShip Training in action. Photo: Supplied.
A few years ago, TAFE NSW employed me as a Maritime Teacher. Since then, with my business partner, Shelley Wright, under the umbrella of SisterShip Magazine, we’ve developed SisterShip Training and combined our team’s vast commercial and recreational experience to create courses for recreational boaters.
With the high seas behind me and having settled in the Bega Valley, we are preparing for the nationwide rollout of our Coastal Navigation Courses, starting in Merimbula!
The ‘Introduction to Coastal Navigation‘ is structured to include plenty of practical exercises. The questions and answers booklet is designed for continued study at home. And if you need more help, we offer on-going support. The navigation manual is written with step-by-step processes, it’s an excellent resource and reference guide for long-term use.
The Introduction to Coastal Navigation weekend will be held in Merimbula on June 1 and 2. Photo: Supplied.
Having mentioned my love and respect for paper charts we’ll also spend time translating chart work into real life.
For example, “Where On Earth Are We?” It’s obviously an important question, but it’s critical to understand. As well as, “And What Does That Mean?” As in, okay, we’re here, but with those currents, tides, nearby wrecks, and the onset of bad weather, what does my location actually mean to me? How do I plan my course so as to counteract all of the forces acting on my vessel? How can I plan a voyage that successfully avoids all the dangers?
Head spinning with adventure and a thirst to have these skills for yourself? Join us in Merimbula on June 1 and 2 and start your journey. You’ll find more info HERE.
As well as two full days of instruction with two trainers, it includes an official chart, manuals (x2), lunch and much fun. Everyone is welcome, men and women, and there is a special deal and discount thanks to Pantaenius Sail and Motor Yacht Insurance.
If you can’t make it this time but can feel the itch, keep an eye on the Sistership Training website or email [email protected]
Words by Jackie Parry
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