DaySailer.org Forum

The previous owner of my DSII created a "Sailing Checklist" so he wouldn't forget anything before casting off. I thought you guys might find it useful. If you have checklist items not listed here, let us know and maybe we can build up the ultimate checklist.

Sailing Checklist

Prior to entering the water:

Is ladder back in the car?
Are life vests aboard?
Are all three plugs in place?
Are both sails properly rigged?
Are batons in the mainsail?
Has the main trailer strap been removed?
Has the outboard motor been mounted?
Are mooring lines in place?
Are bailer and sponge aboard?
Is paddle aboard?
Two bumpers?
Boom crutch?
Do we have sunglasses?
Water shoes?
Sunscreen?
Gloves?
Dry bag?
Water and chow?
Hats?
Any extra needed clothing?
Tiller and rudder?

Prior to sailing:

Is centerboard down?
Are all lines free?
Are rudder and tiller installed?
Are car and trailer parked with trailer locked and ladder inside car?
Are car key and trailer key secure?
After leaving port, take in bumpers and mooring lines.

Prior to leaving the water:

Check bumpers
Is centerboard up?
Have rudder and tiller been stowed?
Are sails down or loose?
Is motor tilted out of the water?

Good idea to bring this up. I have sometimes forgotten obvious things.

Last summer I went out on July 4, despite the probable preponderance of powerboats. Heck, I thought, I can still have fun.

Not.

The air was absolutely dead and the lake was really choppy. It was very uncomfortable. AND I had forgotten my hat, my water bottle, sunscreen, and sunglasses. In my stubbornness I just kept at it, thinking "any minute the wind will pick up a little bit, and I'll be happy..." Haven't we all been there? I wound up with a cleaning towel dipped in the water and draped around my neck.

So I stayed out about three hours and came in totally dehydrated and crabby. Gee, who's fault was that?

Carlos

List is pretty detailed.

Prior to entering the water: I also carry a first aid kit, small tool kit, throwable line with a life cushion/ring in the event of a crew member overboard (even though life vests are required to be worn on my boat)

Is the outboard fueled ? .

Batons ? Should be battens.


Prior to leaving the water: Is the crew accounted for ? (both human and animal)

I trailer my boat and leave the rudder and tiller mounted. I installed a line and cleat to secure the rudder in the upright position. Brad

Another addition to the list: A warning device like a portable air horn or whistle should be on board also. Preferably the air horn. Brad

The coastguard says you must have signaling devices on board. I have a whistle and an air horn . You also need visual signal device which can be a flag with the square and circle.

Do you have a motor on your DS? If so you also must have a fire extinguisher.

I also have an anchor. Comes in handy sometimes.