Preparation: The top checklists with over 100 things for the summer cruise
A lonely anchorage, protected from wind and waves in the middle of the picturesque landscape of the Danish archipelago. Surrounded only by forest and fields. It smells of the salt of the water and the scent of pine trees. But also of fertilised fields. The idyll is spoilt when it becomes clear that this pungent smell is not coming from the land. It is caused by their own faeces tank. But the fault is quickly identified, and with the right spare part it is easy to rectify. Lucky to have it on board in such a situation.
This example can be applied to all situations on board. From the preparation of meals to the care of minor and major ailments to cosy beds in the bunk. Success always depends on whether everything you need is included.
And last but not least, the equipment also determines whether you will be able to pursue your individual preferences in the various areas of life while travelling, i.e. how comfortable you will feel on board.
In addition to such personal items, there are general recommendations for what should be on board to make the trip a success. We have summarised the most important ones below. In the form of a list, which can be seen as a suggestion to add to your own checklist.
Admittedly, it is not uncommon for the boat to be overloaded with the wrong idea of what could or should happen en route. But what you don't need on the trip can eventually be cleared out again. And, as I said, having is better than needing.
Papers
Checks are rarely carried out. However, anyone operating a pleasure craft should be prepared for situations in which a document is required
- Valid identity documents
- Visa, if necessary
- (Foreign) health insurance card
- Driving licences
- Radio licence, frequency allocation certificate
- EC card, credit card, cash in the local currency
- Proof of ownership (purchase contract or invoice, international boat licence, registration certificate), flag certificate if applicable
- Proof of insurance
- Crew list
- Logbook
Further information:
Nautical ship management
The bookcase has become empty in the digital age. But even electronically published information must be obtained in good time
- Sea manuals
- Cruising guide
- Harbour manuals
- Current paper nautical charts
- Current electronic nautical charts for plotter or sat nav app
Further information:
On-board pharmacy
Even those who sail from port to port on holiday in coastal waters are well advised to keep medical equipment on board for first aid in the event of illness or injury
- Seasickness remedy (according to inclination and experience)
- (Head) painkillers
- Pain-relieving gel for sunburn or insect bites
- Ear drops
- Nose drops
- Gargle solution
- Diarrhoea medication
- Ointment or gel for sprains and bruises
- Ointments for muscle and joint pain
- Remedy for stomach complaints
- Bandages, plasters
- Antiseptics
- Ointment for wounds
- Any personally required medication
- Medicines against infectious diseases
- Ointments for skin diseases and itching
Further information:
Pantry
People do not live by the boat alone. Good meals determine how well you feel and therefore the mood on board. So what must be included:
- Rubbish bags, kitchen roll, sponge cloths, washing-up brush
- Tea towels
- Shelf-stable foods such as rice, pasta, UHT milk
- Baking mixes for bread and long-life baked rolls
- Spices
- Barbecue and coal or gas
- If there is no oven on board: Omnia or similar brand
- Kettle and induction hob for shore power
- Disinfectant for the drinking water in the tank
- Collapsible bowls
- Anti-slip mats
- Thermos flasks for pre-cooking and keeping warm
Further information:
Pure ship
Nobody wants to wait until after their holiday to remove the traces of life on board
- Vinegar cleaner
- Neutral cleaner
- Disinfectant spray
- Citric acid
- Polish
Further information:
Shore leave
As a cruising sailor on holiday, you are not least a tourist
- Travel guide
- Rain jacket
- Backpack, shopping bag, waterproof pannier
- Sports shoes, hiking boots
Further information:
Night drive
The nights are short in summer on the North and Baltic Seas. But completely unprepared, the time in the dark becomes long
- Functioning lighting
- Large thermos flask, instant meals
- Headlamp
- Red light at the card table and in the WC
- leeward sail
Further information:
Security
Functional and well-maintained emergency equipment can save lives and belongs on board
- Life jackets, lifebelts, lifelines, stretch ropes
- Rescue collar
- Fire extinguisher
- Leak plug
- Distress signals
- Emergency tiller/rudder
- Emergency aerial (VHF)
Further information:
Entertainment
Summer cruising is usually not just about sailing. Relaxing in the harbour and at anchor is also part of it
- Game collection
- Notebook/tablet
- Bluetooth box
- Headphones
- Charging cable for shore and on-board power supply and/or small inverter
- Diving goggles, snorkel, fins
- Trolling rod
- SUP
- Reading
- Writing materials
- Hammock
- Crab fishing for children
Further information:
- Sailing films: getting in the mood for the season on the sofa
- Free films: The 10 best sailing reports
- Sailing films: New adventures in the ice and under palm trees
- Literature: 10 exciting sailing books for harbour days
- Advise, inform, entertain: New books
- Maritime literature: New books about the water
- Sailing books: new additions to the bookcase
Sun protection
UV radiation is becoming increasingly aggressive, but the ways of protecting ourselves from it are also improving all the time
- Beach shell or umbrella with drill base for the beach
- Headgear
- Light, airy but long trousers and shirts
- UV protective clothing for children
- Sun cream SPF 50 and more
- After-sun lotion
- Lipstick with SPF 50
- Sunglasses
- Awning or bimini for the cockpit
Further information:
Insect protection
The famous single mosquito below deck has robbed many a person of sleep or bitten them to death
- Mosquito nets for windows, ventilators, hatches and companionways
- Insect repellent spray
- Insect defence (candles, trapping devices, etc.)
Further information:
Tool
A high-quality range is worth its weight in gold when it is needed and should always be on board
- Tool set
- Electrical tool kit and multimeter
- Splicing tool
- Dyneema, 4 mm, for loops, rope shackles and lashings
- On-board knife
- Multitool
- Storm lighter and/or gas or battery-powered soldering iron (for rope cutting and soldering)
- Torch
- Wire brush
Further information:
Spare parts
The list of what needs to be included varies from person to person and is very dependent on the ship. This is because everything from the paint and adhesive to the operating materials must correspond to the resources used
- AA and AAA batteries and rechargeable batteries for devices used
- Repair kit for the on-board bikes and the inflatable boat
- Engine oil, transmission oil, coolant
- Spare parts kits for motor and WC
- Fabric tape, self-vulcanising tape, sail tape
- Sealant and adhesive
- Insulating tape
- Spare fuses
- Reserve case
- Stainless steel screws, bolts etc.
- Hose clamps
- Lubricants and lubricants
Further information
Comfort
The boat is the home for its crew during their time on board. Making it as comfortable as possible is therefore not only legitimate, but part of the success of a holiday on the water
- Electric blanket
- Folding seats
- Earplugs for the night
- Spectacle strap
- Replacement glasses
- Blackout blinds for windows and hatches or sleep mask
- Ventilation sail
- Detergent for hand and machine washing
- Clothes pegs
- Cockpit cushion
- Solar shower
- Lamp for cockpit and saloon table (paraffin, LED ...)
- Bath thermometer
- Water hose and connections
- High-quality mattresses for healthy sleep
Further information:
(Sailing) clothing
At the latest when oilskins are needed, no compromises are required
- Oilskin
- Sea boots
- Boat shoes
- Water-repellent thick socks
- Cap, (sailing) gloves
- Scarf/neckerchief
- Swimsuit
Further information:
Precinct-specific
The various destinations are often characterised by very different features, which also need to be taken into account when sailing
- Sharpening nails and hammer (no wooden handle)
- Rear anchor
- Long lines for locks
- Buoy hook
- Fender board
- Abrasion protection for mooring lines
- Bow ladder
Further information:
Hygiene
The smaller the boat, the more spartan the options. Good equipment also helps enormously here
- Quick-drying towels
- Wet wipes
- Handkerchiefs
- Flip flops
- Personal toiletry bag
- Tweezers
- Nail scissors
Further information:
Energy supply
Freedom on the water is quickly perceived as very limited when there is no power. That doesn't have to be the case
- Adapter for shore power
- Powerful charger
- Solar cell
- Wind generator
Further information:
Measures in an emergency
And what if something does happen? In our safety special you will find checklists for the six most likely distress scenarios:
