Daily Chores

All crew will muck in and be prepared to assist with all daily chores, deck work, helming and watches. Chores should be rotated across the crew and may be allocated each night for the next day. If you are doubtful of anything, ASK. Do not put yourself or other members of the crew at risk because you THINK you know what to do. Remember, that there are no stupid questions only stupid answers.

  • Ensign - hoist at 0800 summer, 0900 winter, lower at sunset or 2100 whichever is earlier, lower when racing or crew ashore
  • Radio check
  • Lead line / depth checks
  • Check navigation lights
  • Daily logs
  • Weather checks and logged
  • Tidal heights and times noted. Tidal tables prepared and double-checked.
  • Prepared passage/pilotage plan checked for favourable winds, tides, weather conditions and adjusted if necessary. What are the alternative havens?
  • Brief crew on passage/pilotage plan. Ensure suitable clothing.
  • Sufficient food and water for passage.
  • Refreshments for crew during passage. Pre-prepare if necessary.

Engine check

  • Sufficient fuel for the day?
  • Open Engine compartment - any oil, water leaks? Check all belts are sound and tight
  • Is the seawater inlet valve/seacock open and are the strainers clear?
  • Check oil level with dipstick. Do not overfill.
  • Check freshwater level
  • Check fuel pre-filter & drain any water
  • Petrol engine: operate the engine space exhaust fan
  • Start engine and run at medium revs to warm up
  • Check cooling water discharge
  • Check ahead and astern operation

Prepare the boat for sea

  • Hatches and ports tightly secured
  • Loose gear below decks stowed away, lockers latched shut
  • Galley gear stowed and checked
  • Close sea cocks (if required)
  • Dinghy - check towing line or lash securely to deck. Ensure that oars, fenders, warps, outboard and all loose gear stowed on board
  • Check liferaft is lashed securely
  • Check anchor is ready
  • No lines overboard
  • Winch handles stowed on deck / in cockpit
  • Remove sail covers and stow
  • Brief crew on method of leaving mooring
  • Heads - empty holding tanks when appropriate

Prepare the boat for overnight mooring

  • Brief crew on mooring
  • Decide on length of anchor chain/rope and flaked if required
  • Prepare lines and fenders. One line, one job.
  • Secure boat with full complement of correct lines & springs, leftover line ends on board, not ashore,
  • Lines tidied away
  • Cockpit tidy, mainsheet tied & boom moved to the side of the boat where crew will not catch it when leaving and getting on.
  • Deck equipment (winch handles, torches) stowed below
  • Sail cover on
  • Celebrate the end of the days sailing with a well-deserved tipple!
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