CREW’S TOP TIPS
TOOLS
All tools must be of professional quality and should be stored in a cabinet to guard against corrosion. Wolfgang Hass on Gian has converted a hanging locker into a tool cabinet with around 10 flat drawers containing spares of every kind. This includes:
■ All types of fuses
■ Cables of different diameters
■ Spare alternator for the engine
■ Spare starter motor
■ Impeller for the generator and motor
■ Spare new toilet pumps
■ Gas regulators
■ Jump start cables borrowed from the car
■ Crimping tools, also for larger diameters for batteries
■ Angle grinders
■ Wire cutters
■ A charged extra battery that is not connected to the motor
BATTERIES & FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
About 20% of the fleet were using lithium batteries. Circumstantial evidence appears to show that Lithium Life batteries are less flammable than Lithium Poly Lipo batteries. The batteries should be in a separate metal box.
Different types of fire extinguishers should be aboard as well as a kitchen fire blanket. A special extinguisher for fat is recommended as it can be very flammable and spread widely.
GRAB BAGS
In addition to standard safety items:
■ Waterproof hand-held VHF radio
■ Iridium satellite phone
■ Watertight flashlight with spare batteries (and bulb if not LED)
■ Portable solar charger for phone/torch
■ Second EPIRB
■ Two red EVDS (electronic flares)
■ First-aid kit, including sunscreen and medical supplies for pre-existing medical conditions
■ Graduated plastic drinking vessel for rationing water
■ Two safety can openers (if food or water is carried in cans)
■ Additional drinking water in a dedicated and sealed container, or a hand-operated desalinator, plus containers for water
■ Additional high-energy food
■ String, polythene bags, seasickness tablets
■ Two ‘Cyaulme’ sticks or two watertight floating lamps
■ Second sea anchor and line
■ Dry clothes