The importance of checklists

I enjoyed the article ‘Essential spring checks’ (YM May 2019) and the 55-point skipper’s checklist. A complete checklist for your yacht is a living document. You add things you learn. Making your own checklist on a spreadsheet allows you to keep a record of what you have done. A checklist avoids forgetting essential gear and actions; takes the stress out of leaving; summarises learning; lists what is appropriate for your activities; enables sharing tasks; documents action and makes your boat and crew safe.

Sharing tasks is an often forgotten advantage. I always have the checklist on the chart table, usually while getting ready for the season or getting ready to sail offshore. It allows the crew to see what needs to be done, work on it and then sign the tasks off. It helps to develop a good crew as well. Maarten van Hasselt