This is part of a series of articles on the subject of sailing safety. The articles will attempt to combine different ideas on safety from sources such as the Red Cross, personal experience, computer programming and other outdoor pursuits.

Part of being safe is being prepared. Part of being prepared is asking questions that help you anticipate needs and situations. Here are some questions I like to ask and answer before sailing:

1. What is the weather forecast? The conditions you’ll experience determine everything from whether to leave the dock to what clothes to pack. Leaving without this knowledge is foolhardy. As a corollary you might ask what type of weather information gathering equipment is on board. At the very least a VHF radio with weather band should be carried.

2. Are the proper charts on board? Although you may be going from Point A to Point B and not plan to make a stop you may have to. If in between there’s an unfamiliar harbor not having the correct chart onboard could put you aground, or on the rocks.

3. What spares are on board? If it looks like a long motor sailing voyage are spare fuel filters, oil filters, lube oil and impellers aboard? If you are doing an offshore passage is there enough stove fuel and drinking water?

What are key questions you ask in preperation? Let us know in the comment area below.

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