Pretrip Planning

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Boat Checkout

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Sail Refresher

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Appendix

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Sailing Checklist - Pretrip Planning

Planning the charter during the months and weeks before departure is almost as much fun as actually going on the trip. Several resources are available to aid in this process. First, a good cruising guide for the reigon that you intend to sail is essential. From this you can gather information about sights to see, places to visit, navigation aids, weather and climate information, anchorage information, lists of marinas in the area, and a whole host of other information. Second, having the charts of the reigon allows you to study prior to departure so that your tenative route is ready, and so that you know all of the alternate anchorages and approaches should you have to change your plans. Other helpful tools include weather information available on the internet, your favoirte sailing text for reviewing a bit, and a good book or magazine to give you that extra bit of exctement.

This checklist presents many aspects of pretrip planning. Each area should be considered in detail prior to depature. This list includes factors that may weigh into selecting the right reigon, company and boat as well as factors that you must consider after making those selections.

1. Area Selection
   • Available Time
   • Charter Company
   • Cost
   • Experience
   • Security Issues
   • Weather
2. Boat Selection
   • Draft
   • Rigging
   • Size
   • Length of Trip
   • Type of Sailing (Bluewater, Coastal Cruising, Inland Waters)
   • Equipment Requirements (Air Conditioning, Heat)
3. Itinerary
   • Sailing/Anchorage/Land Time Ratios
   • Fuel and Water Stops
   • Activities Ashore
   • Meal Planning
   • MSD Servicing
   • Re-provisioning
4. Weather
   • Long Term Outlook
   • Sea Conditions
   • Short Term Forecast

The information presented in this sailing checklist is that which has been collected over years of boating experience. The information presented here, including the medical information, is not intended as professional advice; rather, it is a starting point for your own thinking and organization.
Copyright © 1995, Chuck and Chris Hanson