Sailing Captain’s Quickie Checklist
A recent sailing school student came back for a refresher, and needed a quickie checklist for getting underway. I decided I must develop one!
Recently I did publish a Pre-Sail Checklist for Sailing, however, it has an explanation for each item. Once a sailor is familiar with the descriptions; all they really need is the list. So, here goes! Please comment below if I left off something crucial!
Forward
- Anchor windlass and locker
- Roller furling set to free (right)
Below
- Electrical panel settings
- Bilge visual and touch button
- Batteries
- Instruments
- Navigation lights if needed
- Radios, radio check channel 26
- PFD’s
- Signal flares
- Fire extinguishers
Engine
- Oil
- Cooling water
- Engine visual check
- Belts
- Hoses
- Fluid and debris
Cockpit
- Covers off companionway and helm
- Covers off gauges
- Wheel extended
- Cushions out
- Sound producing device in cup holder at helm
- Flag tied
- Boathook out
- Sunscreen
- Drinking water
- Hat
- Winch handles
- Ignition key
- Throwable Type IV
- Stern check
- Power cables
- Fuel
- Warm up engine
- Check transmission
Departure
- Wind
- Wheel
- People
- Lines
- Traffic fore and aft, side to side
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