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Appendix

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Sailing Checklist - Health and Safety

In regard to Safety, many different idioms have been created. Some of these may be useful when faced with critical situations on the water where logic and careful thinking is sometimes thrown to the wind. Here are some of the brief safety tips that we have held onto over time.

Order of Priority

• Sail the Boat - Keep the boat and the crew safe by sailing the boat safely first.
• Navigate - Always know where you are going and where potential dangers lie.
• Communicate - The above goals are much easier to accomplish by good communication with the crew.

When walking on Deck:"One Hand for Yourself - One Hand for the Boat"

In Bad Weather: "He who keeps his sails put away, lives to sail another day."

With Increasing Wind: "If you even think about reefing - do it."

When making a windy approach in close quarters: "If in doubt, back it out."

Health deals with two aspects of chartering. First, you certainly want to feel as comfortable as possible while on the trip. This can be aided with a good complete medical kit. Second, you must be prepared for serious or even life threatening emergencies. The following sections includes suggestions for stocking a complete medical kit for a typical week long charter. In addition, make sure you bring any special medicines that you routinely take. Any sailor would be benefited by taking a first aid and CPR course prior to leaving on any trip where help is not immediately available.

Packing List for Medical Kit

1. Medicines
   • Tylenol
   • Advil
   • Benadryl
   • Sudafed
   • Dristan
   • Ducolax
   • Immodium AD
   • Pepto Bismol (if traveling to third world)
   • Artificial Tears
   • Bonine and/or Dramamine
2. Topical Preparations
   • Cortaid
   • Neosporin
   • Hydrogen Peroxide
   • Alcohol
   • Solarcaine
   • Aloe Vera
   • Micatin
3. Supplies
   • Gauze
   • Scissors
   • Tape
   • Band Aids (variety)
   • Ace Bandage
   • First Aid Book

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 © 1996, Chuck and Chris Hanson