What the real sailor checks in 10 minutes every morning

Here for you is a decalogue of really essential checks that a good sailor performs every morning in a very short time. In fact, when you wake up, it only takes 10 minutes to do a quick inspection of the boat and then enjoy breakfast in peace, while also setting a good example for your crew. (pictured, the great sailor Patrick Phelipon portrayed by Fabio Taccola)

THE REAL SAILOR’S QUICK CHECKLIST

Bilge. First of all, the bilge! Water ways, condensation, or leaks from various tanks will pour in there, so it is the first point to check when waking up is dry. Is it clean? Crumbs or organic debris from the night before, as in the case of the photo, will not sink the boat but will attract ant colonies. And you will already have the first task to assign to a volunteer.

Levels and sea intakes. We certainly want to avoid running out of water or having a clogged toilet. So a quick check at all levels: oil, diesel, black and white water, gas cylinder. Sea intakes should have been closed the night before, it is courteous to open them for those about to wake up, or make sure they are closed if you are about to set sail.

Electrical services, battery levels, bilge pump, radio and instruments. One minute at switchboard, display and vhf on 68 meteomar at minimum volume, to check that everything is working.

Inflating tender. Easy to forget to check it, but in the morning with cold weather is a good time to check the pressure.

Set sail again. Unlikely to fail but better to check right away by moving a few chain links, if only to give a wake-up call to those still sleeping in the forward cabin!

Mast and rigging. Nothing should have gone out of place since the night before, but what a peace of mind to know that the halyards are in the clear, the purlins are locked, and the cotter pins are in place!

Drinking water and provisions. High probability that the crew overnight drained the wine and rum reserves and bottomed out all of the food in the galley. Rhum aside, let’s take a look at drinking water and food reserves, and the state of the refrigerator. On some boats, If there is not enough for lunch, you risk mutiny

Engine, water ignition and generator. Are those in the stern still asleep? What’s better than a healthy demotor, to see if the cooling water is coming out of the exhaust and that no red light comes on the ignition..

Crew health and morale. It happens a lot: Barca a segno…. But crew ravaged by seasickness or the aftermath of a good night out. Let’s check the human aspect, is everyone okay? A ready coffee will put everyone in a good mood.

Weather forecast and a logbook entry and it’s done. In 10 minutes you will be assured that the boat is okay in its essentials,you will be ready for a good breakfast,and you will have the elements to take stock of the day with the crew on course, roles and timing.

Luigi Gallerani

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