Liveaboard bluewater cruising can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it also requires careful planning and preparation. A sailing pre-passage checklist is an essential tool for any sailor embarking on a voyage.
A checklist can ensure you have all the necessary equipment and supplies onboard, from safety gear and navigation tools to food and water. It can also help you stay organized and efficient, saving time and reducing stress. With a checklist, you can avoid the frustration of forgetting something essential or searching through your boat for a missing item.
But a sailing pre-passage checklist is more than just a practical tool.
It can also help you focus on the journey and enjoy the experience. By taking care of the logistical details before you set sail, you can free up mental energy and attention to fully appreciate the beauty and wonder of the open sea. In addition, with a sailing passage checklist, you can have the peace of mind that comes with being well-prepared, allowing you to relax and savor every moment of your live-aboard bluewater cruising adventure.
Sailing Pre-Passage Checklist (Excerpt taken from Checklists for Sailors)
Voyage preparation
- Complete the passage plan
- Brief any new crew or guests about the boat
For every engine and generator (sailing pre-passage checklist)
- Water – check the water level
- Oil – check the oil level
- Batteries – ensure batteries are charged and are charging
- Belt – make sure the tension is correct
- Leaks – look for water, oil, or fuel leaks
- Electrics – survey the engine area for any loose connections
- Strainers – ensure all water strainers are devoid of debris
- Visually inspect racors (fuel/water separator)
For ancillary systems below decks
- Test the bilge pumps (automatic and manual)
- Check the freshwater tank level
- Check the fuel tank level
- Note fridge temperature
- Note freezer temperature
- Check that the freezer water flow is good
- Check that the air-con water flow is good
- Look that the speed log and depth gauge transponder are fitted securely
Food and below deck tidying (sailing pre-passage checklist)
- Prepare water for all crew and place it in the cockpit
- Make meals, store them, and have them easily accessible
- Put snacks and fruit in the cockpit in a secure location
- Put barf bags in the cockpit
- Ensure sunscreen is readily available
- Place anti-slip mats on tables
- Clean and stow all loose items in the boat
- Remind guests to stow personal items in the cockpit (sunglasses, hats, phone)
- Put logbook in the cockpit, fill out initial information, and update every 3 – 4 hours
- Close hatches, windows, and cover vents
Above deck checks (working front to back)
- Anchor has the lock pin in place and is secure (if not being used)
- The Anchor locker is free from blockages, and snubber is removed (if being used)
- Ensure pulpit rails are secure
- Safety rails are secure
- Deck cleats are clear
- Foresail is secured correctly to the furler drum
- Foresail sheets are properly attached and free to run and not chafed
- Dorade vents are secured
- Mast fittings, winches, boom gooseneck, and reefing controls are all working
- All halyards are in good shape and secure
- Inspect boom vang, boom, hydraulic lines, topping lift, and lazy jacks
To get this full customizable sailing pre-passage checklist including safety systems, after systems are turned on, leaving port, getting the sails out, making way, before arriving, and after the boat is secured on a dock/anchored/moored, get Checklists for Sailors.
Check Out Other Sailing, Maneuvering & Mooring Related Articles and Videos
To get an overview of all our sailing, maneuvering, and mooring-related articles and videos, start here: Sailing, Maneuvering & Mooring. Otherwise, check out one of these articles or videos:
- Stern To Med Mooring
- High Wind Sailing Techniques
- How To Tie Onto A Mooring Ball
- How To Leave A Dock
- Anchoring In Poor Holding Anchorages
- Anchoring Complications – Picking Up Someone Else’s Anchor
- Sailing In Storms
- How To Pole Out Your Jib Downwind Sailing
- Sailing With A Gennaker
- Rigging, Sails & Reefing On A Sailboat