Essentials for Safety on Board
Hey there, fellow sailors-it’s Oliver here, waving from the misty shores of Cornwall. When you’re gearing up for a week at sea, safety isn’t just a checkbox; it’s the difference between a memorable voyage and a real headache. I’ve learned this the hard way. Back in July 2019, off the Scilly Isles, a sudden fog rolled in thicker than my nan’s porridge. Without my trusty life jacket and a proper ditch bag, things could’ve gone south fast.So, let’s dive in-what do you absolutely need to stay alive and kicking?
First off, personal flotation devices (PFDs). Not those bulky orange ones that make you look like a pumpkin-go for an inflatable harness style with a spray hood.They’re compact and won’t cramp your style during a speedy jibe. I swear by the Spinlock Deckvest; it’s got crotch straps to keep it from riding up in rough swells, which, trust me, happens more than you’d think.
Then there’s the ditch bag. Picture this: you’re abandoning ship in the dead of night.My go-to is a waterproof grabbed from a dinghy supplier in Plymouth-stock it with a handheld VHF radio (like the Icom M25, which floats and has a built-in GPS), flares (get the SOLAS-approved ones, no skimping), a thermal blanket, and enough energy bars to fend off hunger for 24 hours. Oh, and a personal EPIRB. Rare tip: in UK waters,register it with the MCA immediately; unregistered ones can lead to delays in rescue,as I found out chatting with coastguards last summer.
Don’t forget first aid kit basics,but amp it up for sailing woes.Seasickness meds like Stugeron-I’ve popped those mid-Atlantic crossing and felt human again. Add waterproof bandages, antiseptic wipes, and something for sunburn as, yeah, that UV bounces off the water like nobody’s business.
Safety gear weighs you down emotionally if you overpack, but skimping? That’s playing roulette with the waves. Have you ever felt that knot in your stomach when the wind picks up?
Clothing That Withstands the Elements
Clothing for a week-long trip-ah, the eternal debate. I’m no fashion guru (unless you count my javelin-throwing kits, which are all aerodynamics and zero style), but after years tossing spears on windy fields and helming yachts in the Solent, I know what works. Layers, always layers. The UK weather’s a fickle beast; one minute it’s balmy, the next you’re shivering like a wet dog.
Start with base layers: Merino wool, not cotton. Cotton holds moisture and chills you to the bone-learned that during a gale off Land’s End in 2021. My favorite? Icebreaker tops; they’re itch-free and wick sweat during those hot engine-room fixes.
For outerwear, a foul weather suit. Forget cheap ponchos; invest in something like the Helly Hansen Voss, with taped seams and high collars. I once spent a night in mine during a Force 8 off Falmouth, and it kept me drier than a bone in the desert. Pair it with neoprene gloves and boots-must be non-slip soles, grippy for wet decks.
Underwear and socks? Quick-dry synthetics. And hats- a wide-brim one for sun, a wool beanie for cold snaps. Ladies and gents, don’t forget swimwear under those wetsuits; chafing is the silent killer of fun sails.
Rare nugget: In British coastal waters, pack thermals rated for sub-zero wind chill, even in summer. The Gulf Stream can trick you, but northerlies drop temps fast. I always toss in a spare set of everything; washing at sea? It’s a myth unless you’ve got a fancy washer on board.
What about you-ever ruined a trip with the wrong socks?
Navigation and Gadgets: Beyond the Basics
Now, navigation tools- this is where my inner geek shines. I’m not just a sailor; I’m the bloke who geeks out over charts like they’re treasure maps. For a weeker, you need reliability without the clutter.
Charts and plotters: Paper charts for backups (UKHO ones are gold standard), plus a tablet with Navionics app. But here’s a lesser-known: calibrate your compass with a hand-bearing one for night sights. I did this on a trip from Southampton to the Channel Islands in 2022, and it saved us from a shipping lane mix-up at dusk.
Electronics? A waterproof handheld GPS (Garmin inReach for sat comms-priceless when cell signal ghosts you). And binoculars-7×50 with compass, stabilized if you’re splashing out. Batteries, people-rechargeables with solar clips. I once ran dry mid-race in the Round the Island; never again.
Don’t overlook the fun stuff: a good knife (Leatherman multi-tool, always), headlamp for those 3 a.m. watches, and a logbook. As Joshua Slocum said in Sailing Alone Around the World (1900), “The sea is the same as it has been since before men ever went on it in boats.” Tech changes, but the basics endure.
A bit of humor: My javelin arm’s strong, but fumbling a chart in the dark? That’s when you pray for steady hands.
Personal Items and Little Luxuries
the personal bits that make the trip yours. Food-wise, non-perishables: tins of sardines, oats, nuts. Hydration’s key-bring a watermaker if possible, or purification tablets for rainwater.
For me, it’s the little things. A journal to scribble thoughts (nothing beats reflecting under stars), sunscreen (SPF 50+, reapply hourly), and earplugs for snoring crewmates. Oh, and my lucky javelin charm-tiny, but it reminds me to throw true, whether it’s a spear or the helm.
Rare advice: Pack ginger chews for nausea; they’re a sailor’s secret weapon, far better than pills for some. And books-waterproof paperbacks. I devoured Masefield’s Sea-Fever on a foggy week in the Irish Sea last year; hit different out there.
Pack light, but pack smart. You’ll thank yourself when the seas turn choppy.
What’s your must-have item for a sailing jaunt? Drop a comment below-I’d love to hear your stories and swap tips!