Sun, 07/06/2009 - 20:15 — peterv

This is my check list before sailing out.
Underneath is also my check list of items to explain to new people on board.

A dutch version is available: Check list voor zeilen

1. Security/general
2. Check inside
3. Prepare sailing on sails
4. Prepare sailing on engine
5. Explanation for new persons on board:

1. Security/general

1.1. Check all persons have correct shoes (non slippery, non marking)
1.2. Pull out life jackets for all aboard (kid's sizes if needed)
1.3. Life lines for all aboard (and explain operation)
1.4. Check and show location of flares
1.5. Check and show location of life raft
1.6. Show location and operation of MOB button on plotter
1.7. Put the horseshoe buoy in position and explain operation
1.8. Put ready: portable VHF, binoculars, horn, portable compass
1.9. Turn on VHF/DSC and explain minimal operation
1.10. Put down ladder (if alone on board)
1.11. Prepare the tiller for the autopilot
1.12. Put up the flag

2. Check inside

2.1. Put away the dehumidifiers (the liquid is corrosive)
2.2. Stow away the hatch safely
2.3. Turn off refrigerator (consumes battery power)
2.4. Close all windows (5)
2.5. Close all through-hull valves (5 in bathroom, 1 in kitchen)
2.6. Close gas supply (at bottle and near cooker)
2.7. Fasten the cooker (don't wear out the rubber tubing)
2.8. Turn on only the instruments
2.9. Fasten and/or stow away all loose items
2.10. Check all cabinet doors are closed

3. Prepare sailing on sails

3.1. Check wind and tides (7:20/10:20 CEST on channel 27)
3.2. Plan trip on map
3.3. Advise Touristil for people, depending on wind/wave conditions
3.4. Open lazy bag
3.5. Move 2 spinnaker lines from front to mast
3.6. Prepare the main halyard (move from end of boom to the main sail head)
3.7. Prepare reefs (1 and 2, check reef lines at hooks in luff)
3.8. Free the main sheet
3.9. Tighten the back stay
3.10. Prepare the topping lift to be loosened
3.11. Place the winch handles in their pockets
3.12. Prepare main halyard on winch, ready for lifting main sail
3.13. Lift the motoring signal cone

4. Prepare sailing on engine

4.1. Disconnect 230 V electricity cable
4.2. Open cooling water valve !!
4.3. Check oil (lubricant) and cooling water levels
4.4. Fix engine key near control panel.
4.5. Check tides and wind
4.6. Pull up ladder
4.7. Keep boat hook ready
4.8. Check fuel level
4.9. Check throttle is in neutral !!
4.10. Start engine
4.11. Check secondary cooling water is flowing
4.12. Check and count mooring ropes
4.13. Plan order of release of mooring ropes
4.14. Assign tasks to each crew member
4.15. Sail away :-)

5. Explanation for new persons on board:

5.1. The security list above
5.2. Always hold 1 hand on the boat and stay low when moving
5.3. How to handle the fenders (using the quick release system)
5.4. How to prepare the mooring ropes while sailing
5.5. Explain the head (bathroom), valves and pump
5.6. Practice jumping off the ship when mooring
5.7. Explain main lines for sailing
(main sheet, main halyard, jib sheet, jib roller furler line)
5.8. Explain directions of wind and wind meter
5.9. How to use a winch / winch handle
5.10. How to sail (on engine) "in the wind"

Happy sailing !

PS. Many thanks to the trainers of Naviclass en North Sea Sailing from whom I learned a lot.