Weekend Sailer

• 1). Make a list. Before heading to the local boating store, develop a list containing key item categories. Some of the essentials are listed below but should include safety, foul weather gear, lines, charts, tools, non-perishable food and bottled water, medical kits, radios and flashlights.
  
  
• 2). Purchase and keep up to date all safety devices. Personal floatation devices, flares for visual distress warnings and working fire extinguishers are required by the U.S. Coast Guard to be on board all U.S. vessels.
  
  
• 3). Check the expiration dates on the flares and ensure the fire extinguishers are charged before heading out of the marina. Flares have shelf lives of a few years and and should be replaced often.
  
  
• 4). Keep at least six dock lines onboard at all times, to include two bow and two stern lines, and two spring lines. Bow and stern lines should be two-thirds the length of the boat, while spring lines should measure the length of the boat.
  
  
• 5). Buy current paper charts and a global positioning system (GPS). The charts are a backup if the electronic systems get knocked out by lightening or another power failure. The GPS system will track and display exact boat locations to within a few feet. If trouble occurs, knowing the exact coordinates to relay to rescuers will save time and possibly lives.
  
  
• 6). Have a working VHF radio. While most people rely on cell phones to call for help or to communicate with other boats or the authorities, all rescue and emergency personnel monitor channel 16. The Coast Guard broadcasts weather warnings and other marine safety issues on the channel.
  
  
• 7). Purchase a tool kit. Buy tools that are rust proof and keep a variety on board and in an easy to reach location. Tightening rigging or fixing the engine may be necessary at any time and having a well stocked tool kit to fix breaks could save you from having to be towed back to the marina.
  
  

Blue Water Sailing and Off-Shore Cruising

• 1). Buy and install wind generators and solar panels. Being off-shore and out of contact with land for several days or weeks at a time requires self sufficiency. A wind generator will ensure power is available without having to run the engine or batteries. Solar panels can easily be mounted on the stern of the boat, along with the wind generator. The renewable energy devices produce power and store it in batteries.
  
  
• 2). Own a life raft or dinghy. Some sailors attempting to cross oceans will opt for a life survival life raft that is similar to those found on large cargo or naval vessels. They inflate when hitting the water, can hold several people and are capable of staying afloat for days. Short of having a life raft, a small inflatable or hard dinghy is essential.
  
  
• 3). Upgrade to an automatic identification system (AIS). The latest in ship location technology, AIS systems are outfitted on commercial vessels, but many cruising sailboats are now using them. The transponder works beyond a GPS system. It exchanges position, identification and course with other vessels, and more importantly it shows other boats and ships your location.
  
  
• 4). Stock a medical kit. Keep non-expired medicines, to include prescription medicine, in a water tight medicine kit. Include bandages, antibacterial creams and gauze with tape on hand. When out on the water, help is not always immediately available so plan for the worst case scenario and have the proper items on standby.