1. Identifying landmarks and helping with navigation. Usually when day sailing, navigation is accomplished by sight, compass and charts. However, when the weather is a bit too foggy or hazy it becomes difficult to see familiar landmarks, channel markers or destinations. Also, I've found that sometimes charts can be outdated-even the one recently purchased at the marina. Speaking from experience, having a nice pair of binoculars aboard brings you convenience, comfort, and assurance; knowing that they can definitely assist you in the navigation process if necessary.
2. Identifying Shelters or Safe Areas. The general guideline for storms that are approaching is that whenever a thunderstorm is imminent, take or find shelter. When a sudden downpour occurs you need to locate a cove or marina where you can anchor or tie up. Binoculars are a great resource to help find a location quickly.
3. Locating a mooring or place to anchor for the evening. Our family frequently travels to the Caribbean Islands to bare-boat sail. After a long day of sailing, we are always looking to locate our evening anchoring spot. There are also several locations in the British Virgin Islands that offer moorings that you can use to tie down over night. We bring a pair of binoculars with us so that when we approach a cove containing a group of moorings, we know which ones are available from afar before we make our final approach.
4. General Observation-who says bird watching and sailing can't be combined? As long as you're out there you may as well take it all in. At one of the markers down the Barnegat channel, there is a nest that is home to a family of Ospreys. It is great using a pair of binoculars to see them up close. There are also several other beautiful sea birds out there; and marine binoculars are a great way to see them in their natural habitat. Besides bird watching, there are some gorgeous homes and boats along the Toms River. Binoculars are a great way to get a closer look.
5. Binoculars are easy to transport-Unlike with hiking and birding, you don't have to always wear them around your neck or carry them while on board. After a while, binoculars can wear you down, even the compact models that weigh less than 30 oz. On a sailboat, you can stow them away anywhere and use them only when you choose to. I recommend buying a pair of binoculars to keep on the boat at all times. This way, you know you have them, and you'll have less to carry on and off the sailboat before and after each trip.
These are just a few reasons why binoculars and sail boating go together. When purchasing a pair of binoculars for ocean sail boating, always make sure your exit pupil (objective lens size divided by magnification X) is at least 5, and preferably closer to 7. This will minimize the difficulty you may experience trying to stabilize your binoculars in rougher conditions. For bay, river or lake sailing, your exit pupil can be lower-anywhere 3½ to 5 will suffice. Also, boating binoculars should always be water-proof, so makes sure you check. Try the Nikon 7x50 Action Extreme Binoculars #7239 for great value that won't break your bank.
I would also recommend a pair of binoculars with a built in compass. They bring you an additional navigation feature and are real fun to use. Try the ATN 7x50C Omega Class Binocular with built-in compass. Again, a great value for the quality and durability you'll receive.
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