Lists – they are the only way to sail!

Sailing is such an intense all-encompassing activity with so much to know and remember, make the use of lists a common part of your everyday procedures.

One of the biggest issues in safety at seas is overconfidence which can lead to poor decision-making, underestimating risks and ultimately negligence, so make sure you grab your list and tick everything off each time you sail, with both new and old crews alike.

Let’s start with a safety checklist, go through this with your crew every time you prepare to depart, no matter how long the journey – accidents re just as likely to happen on that 4 hr. day sail as the 1-week cruise.

Once you know your boat and are regularly sailing it, you may complete some elements of the pre departure checklist, such as oil checks, weekly rather than daily, but get used to a regular cadence.

Just because the engine and oil levels were fine a month or go, they may not still be right the coming weekend.

Finally, when Chartering, go through the following with the Charter Company handover Captain:

·      Location and operation of all sea cocks

·      Understanding of bilge pumps procedures, including manual pump

·      Location of flares and fire extinguishers

·      Windlass: electric and manual procedures in case of power failure

·      Location of anchor windlass reset button (if electrical system gets into an overload)

·      Location of spare anchor

·      Water tanks switching procedure

·      Location and operation of fire extinguishers

·      Testing of the stove and propane system with the briefer (propane tanks full?)

·      Operation of refrigeration systems and fridge drain

·      Understanding of the marine head(s) and holding tank procedures (to ensure they work, and to prevent them from clogging or flooding)

·      Understanding of the reefing procedure on this particular boat

·      Hoisting of the main a few feet to check it goes up and down freely

·      Unfurling of the head sail a couple of turns to check it furls in smoothly

·      Helm should turn freely

·      Location of the emergency tiller

·      Location of the First Aid kit (should be fully stocked)

·      Location of the tool box, spare oil and other fluids

·      Testing of the VHF and other electronics

·      12 V outlet(s) tested

·      Location of engine oil stick and cooling water tank

·      Starting of the main engine and transmission testing, forward and backward,

·      Fuel and water tanks deck plate key

Please check out our new library where you can download various lists and other information here:https://www.sailsatori.com/downloads