UPPER DECK
Continuing our tour of the boat, we will go up on deck for a few more checks. Has any loose gear be stowed away and is everything else lashed down securely? Boathooks tend to jump over the side given half a chance.
ANCHOR
Some anchors fit snugly in the stemhead, others may need a lashing to prevent any movement in rough seas. Alternatively, stow it on deck or in the chain locker. In our case, I have made a ‘wedge’ for it which seems to work well.
Don’t rely on the windlass to hold it; check that any additional securing arrangements are present and correct.
If the chain rattles about in the locker, a fender or two will prevent undue movement. Close and secure the chain locker lid.
If the engine fails, would you have room (and time) to set enough sail to get yourself out of trouble? If not, do we need the anchor ready for letting go? It is not always a simple decision, as securing the anchor again when clear of the harbour may not be easy.
STANDING RIGGING
Check clevis pins and split pins at deck level; use binoculars to have a look higher up. Also keep an eye open for any broken strands. Occasionally, hoist someone up the mast for a more thorough check.
RUNNING RIGGING
Halyards may be subject to wear and tear, so we’ll look for any obvious signs and be prepared to end-for-end them if in doubt. Any serious deterioration will warrant renewal. Are they ready and free to run true (not twisted round lazy jacks or other rigging).
MAINSAIL
Ready to hoist? Cover off, halyard attached, and topping lift tensioned (if the boom is not held up by a gas strut kicker). Have a look at the reefing lines. Are they made up correctly, untangled and ready for use?
WINCHES
Give them all a spin before sailing. If a bit stiff, make a note to strip them down and re-lubricate.
DINGHY
We only tow the dinghy on very short, calm passages. Otherwise, if we know we are going to use on arrival, we keep it on deck, lashed down to fixed points. On offshore passages it is fully deflated and stowed below or in a cockpit locker.
LIFERAFT
Our valise liferaft needs to be protected from the weather so it lives in a cockpit locker. Let’s take a couple of moments to make sure all the usual junk is not restricting access in any way. If you need to use it, you need it fast!
Canister liferafts are usually in a dedicated cradle with a quick-release mechanism, automatic or manual.
FENDERS
Can you take in some of them in readiness for departure? Your plan for leaving the berth might mean that one or two need repositioning. Now is a good time to do it.
MOORING LINES
The best way of securing mooring lines to a pontoon is by a bight (or bowline) over the cleats. Before leaving, we need to re-rig them round the cleats and back so they can be released from inboard. Prevent loose lines from dangling over the side – risk of fouling the prop.
SPRAYHOOD
If you are lucky enough to have a windscreen you may not need the sprayhood for protection from the elements, so we always folded it away. Even if there is no windscreen, a sprayhood can severely reduce visibility.
We re-learnt this lesson when we were sailing back from the Isles of Scilly in perfect conditions a few years ago. We were both enjoying a mug of coffee in the cockpit and, because of the hood’s ‘blind arcs’, failed to spot a large ship which had altered course to pass, quite correctly, close astern of us. We have never since sailed with it up.
MAN OVERBOARD
Is all the MOB gear – lifebelts, danbuoy etc – ready to deploy? Does the lifebelt/ danbuoy light work? (And do all the crew know what to do if someone falls in?)
FLAGS
Ensign (and burgee if appropriate) close up and flying smartly!
On the previous page you will find a check-off list which includes a few more preparations which will, of course, depend on your intended passage. A short sail in your home waters might not require any particular navigational planning, but if you are leaving ‘sheltered waters’, SOLAS V requires you to plan your passage (weather, tides, depths, hazards etc).