What do we cruising sailors need to know? What equipment is essential? How much money do we need? How large a boat must we have to be safe? What about pirates?

Recently I taught a cruising seminar about “WHAT IFS.” I choose this topic based on the hundreds of questions asked by cruisers (and wanna-bees) who contacted the Quantum “Ask the Experts” web page where a team of “experts “ answers hundreds of questions annually.

Do cruisers need to know about everything before they head out? Not really. Many successful cruisers have learned to solve cruising situations along the way. With a very supportive cruising community, help is often just a radio call away. Still other cruisers study religiously, attend seminars, take courses, and read every article in print.

I’ve found that there are many answers to every question and no one answer is the only correct answer. However, there are many topics that cruising sailors should be familiar with. Basic knowledge and common sense will solve most problems.

Just as it is impossible to learn everything, no sailboat will have every piece of equipment. You just do your best with what you have available. I have selected seven categories with samples of the challenges cruisers might encounter. Prepare for cruising with basic knowledge of these areas and use it to solve the day to day events of cruising.

Navigation (skills and equipment)

Paper charts

Course plotting tools

Compass, binoculars

Maintaining a deck log

Running Lights

Rules of the Road for area

Light Lists, Tide Tables, Publications

GPS, SatNav, and others

Seamanship (skills needed to handle difficult situations)

Heavy weather sailing

Crossing shipping lanes

Hull punctured by striking underwater object

Anchoring and docking

Dinghy

Marlinspike and line handling

Steering and backing of sailboat

Abandon Ship plan and equipment

Running aground

Weather related (knowledge and equipment)

Fog

Storm sailing

Heaving to

Drogue and Sea Anchor

Lightning

Knock Down

Restricted visibility - rain, haze, smoke, fog, darkness

Sail trim and Reefing

Mechanical and Equipment Failures

Sail repair at sea

Broken or lost mast- jury rig

Taking on water - sinking

Loss of engine power

Loss of 12 volt electricity

Electricity demand and supply- generator - wind, solar, water, fuel

Steering failure- emergency tiller

Auto Pilot, Steering vane - balance sails

Loss of keel or rudder (jury rig, call for help - abandon ship)

Fuel contamination

Fuel filters - changing, bleeding injectors

Fresh water supply

Line around propeller shaft

Stuffing box leaking

Bilge pump failure

Plugged Head

Engine failure

Tools and Spare parts

Manuals for all equipment

Auto Pilot, Steering vane

Health

Heart attack

Heat Stroke

Broker bone injury

Seasickness

Severe bleeding

Extensive first aid supplies

First Aid training

Medical advisor via radio

Medical insurance or emergency funds available

Infection treatment supplies

Safety Equipment and Supplies

Fire Extinguishers

Safety harnesses

Life Jackets, offshore with full equipment

Bosun Chair - mast steps - mast climber

Abandon Ship supplies packed and ready

Person overboard rescue equipment and practice

Life Raft canister checked and serviced

EPIRB - personal EPIRB on all lifejackets

Visual distress signals - flares, launcher, flag

Communication

Satellite telephone

Single Sideband radio

VHF Radio

Visual distress signals

Internet access via satellite

Weather fax

Cell phone for near shore

Signal flares

Some readers may become freaked out by the examples I have listed while others may feel confident with their knowledge and training. Keep in mind that you never stop learning about sailing and cruising. When you relax because you think you know it all is when you get blind sided. Preparing to go cruising wether searching for the right boat, shopping for equipment, taking courses, attending seminars or just reading a blog like this, it’s all fun.www.captainjacksailing.com