Essential Checklists for Sailors
The Secret to Smooth Sailing. Discover the ultimate ready-to-use resource for sailors looking to sail with confidence and peace of mind.
With over 50+ fully customizable checklists, you'll be able to plan a passage proficiently, anchor with confidence, perfectly perform routine engine servicing, easily examine your boat safety systems, routinely manage cleaning/maintenance/servicing tasks, know quickly what to do in a medical emergency, carefully access marinas, adequately provision and have access to 35+ how-to videos providing demonstrations! Keep reading...
Available in instantly downloadable PDF, Paperback by post, and editable MS Word version.
How Will Sailboat Checklists Help You?
With clear and concise language, simple instructions, and a fully customizable version, our checklists are the best resource for sailors, no matter their level of experience. Say goodbye to stress and enjoy your time on the sea with our user-friendly checklists. Watch the quick video now.
The Benefits of Checklists for Sailing
With clear and concise language, simple instructions, and a fully customizable version, our checklists are the best
resource for sailors, no matter their level of experience. Say goodbye to stress and enjoy your time
on the sea with our user-friendly checklists.
Improve Safety
Safety is always a top priority when sailing. A checklist can help you ensure that you have taken all necessary precautions, such as checking the life jackets, testing the radio and other safety equipment, and ensuring that you have enough fuel and supplies for the trip.
Reduce Stress
Having a clear idea of what you need to do, and when, can help reduce the stress and uncertainty that can come with sailing. If you're looking for freedom and adventure, use our checklists to reduce unknowns by setting up routines for success for all passengers.
Facilitate Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of a sailboat. A checklist can help you keep track of all the maintenance tasks, such as cleaning, checking the rigging, inspecting safety equipment, and ensuring that nothing is overlooked.
Improve Performance
Sailing can be an intense and challenging experience, but with a well-structured checklist, you can stay organized and focused on what you need to do. Checklists help couples and families communicate better and enable the delegation of jobs.
Prevent Forgetting Tasks
With so many tasks to remember when sailing, it is easy to forget something important. A variety of checklists can help you keep track of all the essentials, such as checking the weather forecast, securing loose items on deck, and testing all the equipment before setting sail.
Increase Efficiency
And organization too! By using a checklist, you can work through all the tasks in a systematic manner, reducing the risk of forgetfulness and increasing your efficiency. During intense and challenging situations, you can stay organized and focused on what you need to do.
What Do Readers Have to Say?
Read the latest 5-star reviews we have. Scroll to the bottom of the page to view our last 50 reviews.
Who Created Checklists for Sailors?
We’re Simon and Kim, and we’ve been sailboat owners since 2012. In 2014, we untied the lines with our three-year-old daughter and started living full-time on our beautiful 56’ monohull, Britican.
We’ve circumnavigated the Mediterranean, wintered in Sicily, crossed the Atlantic Ocean (took 18 days), and sailed as south as Trinidad and as north as North Carolina. Our travels allowed us to enjoy extended stays in North Carolina, Grenada, and St Martin, with visits to all the islands in between.
With over 40,000 nautical miles behind us, we’ve experienced all sorts of lows and highs.
The aim of our Checklists for Sailors guide is to pass as much of our experience over to you so that you have far more highs than lows.
Our mission is to supply you with easy-to-digest golden nuggets that will quickly let you know what to do, when, and how to do it.
During the process of getting our sailboat, we were stressed. When we finally got our boat, we were excessively stressed. Perhaps you've already encountered some of the issues new sailing cruisers report? It's quite the learning curve!
If you're anything like we were, your excitement for freedom and adventure got you to the point where you bought the boat. But eventually, reality hits, and you realize...
You don't know what you don't know!
Let us provide you with our learning lessons - the good and the bad.
Over the years, we've crafted our checklists to help us remember important tasks, improve the safety of our boat, make sure we were proactive, increase our organization, become more efficient, save money, and seriously reduce anxiety levels.
With over 50 customizable checklists for sailors, you're sure to hit the ground running, or shall I write, "hit the seas sailing."
Scroll down and discover which checklists will best help you now.
What Sailing Checklists Categories Are Covered?
Here are the categories that compromise the 50+ checklists you'll find in the Checklists for Sailors guide!
The A-Z Sailing Passage Checklist
What to do before, during, and after a passage. This checklist will take you from the initial passage plan through to anchoring in a safe port. This six-page letter-sized checklist will surely help you hit the sea sailing!
Boat Briefing Checklist
As the captain and/or owner, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on board, and one of the best ways to do this is by giving a boat briefing to your new crew and guests.
Long Sailing Passage Prep Checklist
When you’re sailing offshore it’s vital to ensure your systems, equipment, crew, provisioning, and processes are all in excellent order. This checklist will help you get organized and focused.
Easy Anchoring/Mooring/Docking
New cruisers are known for making a mess out of anchoring, mooring, and docking. Don't let this be you! Learn the correct procedures so that you and your partner/family are successful.
Packing List for Friends & Crew
This three-page checklist lists what to bring, and what to leave home. It also effectively sets expectations for future visitors. In seconds, you can email your friends with everything they need to know.
Routine Engine & Ancillary Checks
Within the engine checklists in this guide, I offer lists for pre-passage engine checks, checks while running on passage, monthly, yearly, every 500 engine hours, and every 1000 engine hours. Love your engine!
Electrical System Checklists
The electrical systems on a boat can quickly seem complex and overwhelming. Sometimes, a lack of knowledge can lead to very serious consequences. By having a basic knowledge of your boat’s electrical systems and following a maintenance routine for those systems, you can avoid these situations and keep your boat happy and healthy.
Fresh Drinking Water Systems
One of the most important things a sailing cruiser needs is good-tasting drinkable water. Considerations for water tank cleanliness, filtration systems, and water sources all come into play. In the fresh water list, you’ll find details on what to do daily, monthly, and yearly to keep your fresh water tasting fantastic.
Easy Rigging Checklist
By looking over your rig every time you sail, you’ll spot when something isn’t right. You don’t need to know the names of the pieces or parts. You just have to keep your eyes open. Cracks, bubbling paint, rust, corrosion, rot, movement of things that shouldn’t move, etc. will give you a clue. This checklist will outline what to pay attention to.
Boat Safety Systems
When it comes to avoiding boat safety mistakes the most important thing you can do is define what boat safety is, make sure you understand how all your equipment/safety systems work, and create a system that enables you to store and disseminate all your boat safety instructions, procedures, policies, maps, and checklists.
Cleaning Checklists
The cleaning, maintenance, and servicing checklists will empower you to know what to clean and service and when to do it. By proactively taking care of the pieces and parts of your boat, your boat will take care of you! Avoid breakages, failures, and deterioration-use our checklists to stay on top of routine jobs.
Dinghy Related Checklists
First of all, if you don't have a dinghy yet, don't buy one until you use our 'Choosing a Dinghy' checklist. The list outlines the various options in addition to the pros and cons of each. And you'll surely learn to appreciate the 'Taking the Dinghy to Land,' and the 'Beach BBQ' checklist too! Memory won't always work, but a checklist will.
Medical Checklists
Within our medical section, you'll have access to our checklist on preventing and dealing with seasickness, the First Aid log, First Aid Kit contents, medical question forms for guests/crew, the information required to make a Medical Radio Advice VHF broadcast, and how to observe a casualty for feedback to a doctor.
Marina Related Checklists
Before choosing a marina, make sure you know what makes a good marina! Our checklist will give you pages of questions to consider. Further checklists offer what to do while leaving your boat short-term in a marina and tasks to complete during a quick stop. Don't make the mistakes we did when we were novice liveaboard cruisers.
All About Food Checklists
Get a list of all the meal provisioning groupings so you're guaranteed not to miss a thing. Additionally, you'll find fast sailing snack options, long-passage meal preparation tips, and a checklist for fishing success.
Other Boat Related Checklists
Within our Checklists for Sailors, you'll also find 'Selecting Boat Insurance,' 'Keeping Children Occupied on a Boat,' 'Guest/Crew Responsibilities,' and our 'New Anchor Chain,' checklists.
Checklists for Sailors Extras!
In addition to all the time-saving checklists, the guide also includes the following 'Extras'.
BONUS: Look Like a Pro from Day One Video Library
These commercial-free how-to videos provide step-by-step instructions for tasks like choosing where to drop your anchor, how to tie onto a mooring the correct way, easy engine servicing, and other routine boat tasks. By watching these videos in conjunction with our Checklist for Sailors, you'll save time, avoid embarrassment (of doing things wrong), and feel more like a pro from day one. The library currently has 35 videos and is growing. Here are some of them...
Prevent Boat Failures
Use Lists for Success
Ensure Safe Passages
Drop Your Anchor in the RIGHT Spot
Tie Onto a Mooring Correctly
Understand How to Set an Anchor Alarm
Watch and Learn Stern-to Mooring
Learn How to Leave a Dock EASILY
Understand Engine Checks to Avoid Engine Failure
Demystify Boat Electrics
Understand Your Power Source
Manage Your Power Source
Make Your Power Source Last
Easily Troubleshoot Electrical Issues
Ensure Your Water is Smell-Free & Clean
Achieve Great Tasting Drinking Water
Prevent Your Rig from Coming Down
Know that Your Safety Systems are in Order
Ensure Your Prop Keeps Working Well
Understand CopperCoat Complications
Stock the Right Tools
Keep Your Winches in Good Working Order
Get Rid of Head Smells
Be Proud of Your Boat
Don't Drag
Get Better Performance
Keep Your Dinghy Safe & Secure
Choose the RIGHT Marina
Know How to Prepare Your Boat
Be Efficient & Effective
Easy Provisioning & Cooking
Long Passage Success
Easiest Fillet Technique Ever
UPGRADE OFFER: Confident Cruiser Collection
In addition to getting our Checklists for Sailors guide, 35+ video library, customizable Word version, and bonuses, you can get all our other guides (DIGITAL COPY ONLY) for one low price. This offer is not listed anywhere else. The price for all guides purchased separately is $194.00, but with this special offer, it's only $147.00. Buy the full collection today and save 25% (a $46.00 savings).
VHF Guide
In the unpredictable realm of the sea, where issues can spring up quickly, the knowledge of how to wield a VHF radio and master the intricacies of emergency broadcast procedures becomes a must-know for sailors.
The key unlocks the power of communication, the lifeline amidst the chaos, and the savior in times of trouble. With this invaluable knowledge, sailors transcend the realm of vulnerability and embrace the realm of preparedness.
They possess the ability to transmit their distress, summon aid from the vast expanse, and unite with fellow seafarers and rescue services.
In the face of adversity, their voices resound across the turbulent seas, ensuring a swift response, accurate guidance, and the promise of safety amidst the waters.
Price: $20.00
Anchor/Mooring
A sailor's proficiency in anchoring and tying to a mooring is crucial for ensuring safety, stability, and the ability to explore new locations with confidence.
It enables secure positioning, freedom to rest or attend to tasks, and smooth transitions in docking or departing from harbors.
These essential skills foster self-reliance and adaptability, allowing sailors to navigate diverse conditions and embrace the boundless possibilities of the open waters.
Price: $20.00
Storm Guide
Knowing how to prepare a sailboat for a storm or hurricane while at anchor or in a marina significantly benefits sailors. It allows them to fortify their vessel against the onslaught of powerful winds and turbulent waves.
By securing hatches, reinforcing lines, and taking precautionary measures, sailors can enhance the boat's stability and structural integrity, minimizing the risk of damage or capsizing.
This preparedness ensures their safety and that of their sailboat, enabling them to weather the storm with greater resilience and peace of mind.
$20.00
Seasickness Guide
Knowing how to deal with seasickness offers significant benefits for sailors braving the unpredictable seas. It empowers them to combat the distressing symptoms of nausea, dizziness, and fatigue, reclaiming their stability and focus.
By employing techniques like focusing on the horizon, finding a stable position, or utilizing remedies such as ginger or medication, sailors can conquer seasickness and fully engage in their maritime pursuits.
This knowledge allows them to navigate with confidence, fulfill their duties effectively, and appreciate the majestic wonders of the ocean without the hindrance of debilitating seasickness.
Price: $10.00
Making Money
For a sailing cruiser, the importance of knowing how to make money extends beyond the mere pursuit of financial gain. It becomes a vital aspect of sustaining their adventurous lifestyle and pursuing their seafaring dreams.
The ability to generate income while at sea grants them the means to cover essential expenses such as provisions, fuel, maintenance, and occasional repairs. Moreover, it offers the freedom to explore new destinations, partake in cultural experiences, and engage with local communities along their voyage.
By understanding how to make money, bluewater sailors can maintain their independence, extend their journeys, and ensure a sustainable livelihood amidst their maritime pursuits.
It empowers them to navigate the delicate balance between their passion for the open waters and their practical needs, enabling a fulfilling and enriching sailing lifestyle.
Price: $27.00
PREMIUM UPGRADE OFFER: Sailing Mentorship Option
Are you a new boat owner feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of sailing and cruising? Do you feel like you could use some guidance and support from experienced sailors who have been there before? Look no further than us, your very own phone-based mentors!
The benefits of having phone-based or Zoom mentoring sessions with us (Simon and Kim):
- Expert Guidance: We have extensive knowledge and experience in sailing and cruising. We can provide expert guidance and advice on various topics, including boat buying, maintenance, passage planning, safety, etc.
- Personalized Attention: During a mentoring session, we can give you our undivided attention and focus on your specific needs and goals. We can tailor our advice and recommendations to help you achieve your objectives.
- Convenient and Flexible: A phone-based session is convenient and flexible. You can schedule a session at a time that works for you and do not have to travel to a specific location.
- Time and Cost-Effective: Mentoring can save you time and money compared to our on-the-boat Britican Experiences. You can receive expert advice and guidance without traveling or other expenses.
- Access to a Wealth of Knowledge: We have sailed extensively and encountered various sailing-related challenges and scenarios. You can tap into our wealth of knowledge and experience during a mentoring session.
After teaching hundreds of people during our fully-immersive sailing lifestyle Britican Experiences, one of the most noteworthy positives our guests report is the ability to ask every question they have.
If you have a long list of questions about buying, sailing, family life, or maintaining a bluewater cruiser boat or have queries about the sailing lifestyle, you can get them all answered in one go or over the course of a month! Reduce the unknowns and drop the stress.
Normally, $500 per session. See the special offer below!
30-Day Money Back Guarentee
Ahoy mateys! Our Checklists for Sailors guide and optional upgrades are the treasure map to navigating the open seas with ease.
But if for any reason you're not satisfied with the booty you've acquired after 30 days, we'll grant ye a full refund and send you a talking parrot to keep you company on your next adventure.
Just be warned, he's a bit of a squawker!
Available Options
GUIDE & VIDEOS ONLY
- Essential Checklists for Sailors (Digital & Paperback)
- Customizable Word Version (Add, delete, print, laminate)
- Lifetime Version Updates (On version 3 now!)
- Bonus: Look Like a Sailing Pro from Day One (35+ Video Resource Library)
CRUISER COLLECTION
- Essential Checklists for Sailors (Digital & Paperback)
- Customizable Word Version (Add, delete, print, laminate)
- Lifetime Version Updates (On version 3 now!)
- Bonus: Look Like a Sailing Pro from Day One (35+ Video Resource Library)
- Confident Cruiser Collection: VHF Radio Checklists & Templates, Anchoring & Mooring Balls, Storm Preparedness Checklists, Seasickness Guide, & Making Money as a Sailing Cruiser (Note: guides are digital and instantly downloadable)
MENTORSHIP
- Essential Checklists for Sailors (Digital & Paperback)
- Customizable Word Version (Add, detete, print, laminate)
- Lifetime Version Updates (On version 3 now!)
- Bonus: Look like a Sailing Pro from Day One (35+ Video Resource Library)
- Confident Cruiser Collection: VHF Radio Checklists & Templates, Anchoring & Mooring Balls, Storm Preparedness Checklists, Seasickness Guide, & Making Money as a Sailing Cruiser (Note: guides are digital and instantly downloadable)
- Mentorship session with Simon and Kim. Put ALL your unknowns to rest! (via Phone or Zoom)
Do you have a question? Email us: Info@SailingBritican.com
Checklists for Sailors Frequenty Asked Questions
Have more questions? Email us at Info@SailingBritican.com
Not Sure? Look Inside!
In our sample Checklist for Sailors, you'll be able to view the Table of Contents, what's new in version three, and an article on how to prevent boat failures. Additionally, you'll get the introduction and first page checklists for passage planning preparation, the boat briefing checklist, routine engine and ancillary checklist, the cleaning checklist, and the First Aid Kit contents.
Similar to Amazon's, 'Look inside' you can get a better idea as to the contents of Checklists for Sailors. Click the book image and a PDF file will open in another window with the sample.
Checklists for Sailors - Our Latest 50 Reviews
Checklists for Sailors Reviews
Average rating: 5 based on 81 reviews
Thank You for Visiting Us!
If you have any questions about our Checklists for Sailors guide or any of our other guides, please email us at Info@SailingBritican.com
If you're interested in visiting our main website, visit SailingBritican.com All our social media links are below so if you're interested in learning about the sailing cruiser lifestyle, make sure to follow us!
Get out and go sailing!
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
We've purchased and used several Sailing Briticon Checklists before and still refer to some on almost all cruises. Very well written and takes some of the tech-speak language out of their guides. Very well organized as well! Thanks Kim and Simon! (well...mostly Kim...sorry Simon)
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Checklists for Sailors is a very comprehensive set of checklists covering the aspects of running and living on a sailboat. It has been compiled from a vast wealth of experience and is the perfect basis for forming your own personalised lists. Highly recommended.
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
My husband is in the Coast Guard and we're buying our first catamaran. But I am on the other spectrum of sailing, it's all so new. So having a checklist to reference and guide me through the process is very comforting. This is a great resource to utilize to create various checklists for systems and routines onboard.
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
So well organized! It's so much easier to edit an existing checklist than to start one from scratch. Thank You for the invaluable information!
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
SUPER AND VERY USEFUL. Makes you aware of things you would not think of
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
A great book and perfect starting place that you can tailor to your own boat and needs. A one stop shop to help you not forget anything that may turn into an issue at sea.
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
An absolutely incredible resource. I have learned so much from these guides already. And I have added many things to my "to-do" list to ready ourselves for cruising life. Especially grateful for the extensive and well-thought out check-lists. I plan to integrate them with my own--and benefit from the years of sailing experience and expertise that Kim and Sailing Britican offer.
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
A comprehensive resource and so well thought out! Will use this for our own sailing checklists. Glad I found this!
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
I live by checklists, this will save me a ton of time creating our own for Sailing Incognito.
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
As an engineer, pilot, and sailor, I LOVE a good checklist, and was surprised that there were so few books like this. I am glad to have found this one.
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
I love checklists! This seems like an awesome resource as we just purchased our first boat and I’d been planning (hoping!) to make my own. Why start from scratch and reinvent the wheel when someone with far more experience has already done all the hard work? Thank you!
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Exactly what we needed. The lists, the commentary are incredibly straightforward and helpful. Well done!
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
This is a great resource for anyone serious about sailing safely and looking after their boat and equipment. Immensely practical and born out of experience.
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
This will prove invaluable for me, thanks
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Great collection of checklists - time saver and takes away lots of worrying!
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
These checklists are extremely helpful, especially for new cruisers like me!
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Great set of checklists based on your real life practical experience - will save me hours from starting from scratch
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
A very compact and easily adaptable check lists for just about all activities aboard.
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Really looking forward to using these fabulous, checklists.. Simple but brilliantly useful. Thanks
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
These checklists are a great resource and will surely save us lots of time and energy! We love following your youtube channel as well! Very fun and informative! Thank you!!
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Thanks for saving me so much time with your excellent work!
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Excellent resource for all sailors
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
I am overwhelmed by the sheer volume. It will take days to read it all. I will come back to you once I have digested it and fitted these checklists into my own considerable list of checklists.
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Terrific resource
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
All the experience of this sailors couple in a complete, easy to use, and very usefull check list for every sailor. Don’t miss it, it can save your life!
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
I have been trying to create the ultimate electronic checklist for my boat and found that my thought process would dry up or jump around to the extent that there was a lot of thinking and not a lot of writing. I have bought the whole set of checklists and cruising guides on special and they are a great read they offer insights into the reasons for the checklist and the items on it. I can now start to order them the way I want knowing that the process has been fully researched by Kim and Paul. Great job!
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Fantastic resource for someone who just bought his first boat!
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
I'd been searching for check lists like this for ages. Here they all are, in one place, and for a great price. Particularly valuable is the editable version so you can fine tune it for your specific requirements. Great job guys, thank you!
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Excellent reference for a newcomer to larger, more complicated yachts! Thanks!
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Love the logical order of the checklists. As we live 8 hours away from our boat, it is so important to be organized before leaving.
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
This is a great guide for the experienced and the newcomers to offshore yachting - also elements that are relevant to the coastal sailor, well presented in a very user friendly format
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Great book! Very convenient, it’s a great short cut in creating your own lists. Love the idea of being able to customise the lists.
Great Job, Kim & Family
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
This is an awesome guide, I especially like that we can customize to fit our needs. I love being organized and this definitely helps!
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Thanks to Britican for providing this novice sailor and (admitted!) control/organizing freak a way to corral my thoughts and questions and find answers all in the same place! We are definitely 'list people' so this is our way to go....otherwise, how in the world does anyone remember anything??? love!
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
I love it! A great ROI for any sailboat owner or just a holiday skipper with tons of practical hints.
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Just the job. Taking the time to assemble these checklists is a great way of sharing experience and helping cruisers worldwide.
Thanks
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
I am a long-time list maker/user and am creating lists for my new boat. Kim's book is a great time saver for anyone who wants either to adopt hers as is or modify them for their own needs. If you don't like waking up at night in a panic, returning to the dock 3 times or kicking yourself (or others) over things forgotten, USE LISTS! Kim's are a great place to start and will save you much time and hand wringing.
Thanks Kim!
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Tons on information in this little gem!
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Brilliant! These lists form the basis for so many repetitive tasks and procedures. Really good! Plus the editable version lets you customise the lists as you need for your boat. Great idea and well executed.
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Fantastic! We are just beginning our preparations to upgrade our boat and make a plan to sail off into the sunset (or squalls). This book is just the ticket to answer questions, get ideas, and organize our thought processes. It's practical and written with all sailors in mind, beginning and seasoned.
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Not far into reading it and can already see how useful it is going to be.
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
This book is very helpful! I can see the thought and heart that went into it on every page!
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Thanks so much. x
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
These book wil;l make a great addition to my boat library! thank you so much!
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Great book. Looking forward to put the list into action.
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
This book is an absolute must of cruisers! All of the hard work has been done for you. I just bought my first boat and the information in this book is invaluable!
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Excellent book! Practical tips. It saves me a lot of time generating my own checklist. And to be honest, there is a lot of stuff that I hadn't thought of. Its a bargain to get all of the lessons learned in one doc. Thanks a lot!
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
I am a new boat owner and this is exactly what I needed. Very thorough yet clear. Thanks for all the time and anxiety you have spared me Kim
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Great compilation of necessary steps all in one place. Saved a lot of time researching and compling spreadsheets... .
Checklists for Sailors - Digital
Just fantastic , what every sailor needs