Sailing Gear

[Joseph Washburn]

I was just curious as to what gear some of you carry with you when you go sailing? What are those items that you would not dare leave the dock without?

 

[Bayard Gross]

Weather radio

NOAA weather radio with the aler function so that the radio may be on to receive weather alerts but not have to play its monotunous weather conditions over and over.This need not be expensive, but should have crystal type tuning which lets one select the best station without a dial to do so.Further, I prefer this to be a dry cell, that is say double AA battery powered with back up batteries in the boat. No reason to rely on the 12 volt.Such radio has allowed me to head for home safely several times before things got really nasty out.

 

[greg]

essentials ;>)

Massive quantities of beer and ice.

 

[Troy Baker]

sail tape!

pack some sail tape, the stuff is amazing!Just because you never know. I had to use some this summer, had an accident and am still using the stuff because you cant really even tell that its there, use on both sides of a rip if you get one. Another essential is extra rope, I carry alot and use it to raise and lower my mast alone, it's not hard to do just takes some practice. I like the crutch idea someone had made from a shell and might check in to that. When I pack my boat I usually pack just like I was going camping minus the firewood.

 

[Dan]

2nd on Weather radio

Always carry it, but also to learn what wind to expect. Our reporting station is 60 miles west, so whatever they're getting, I'll get in a couple of hours or so.A boathook! I have found them indispensible for single-handing.PFDs, of course. Rain gear is always on board.Variuos extra hardware for running rigging and sail tape.Spare lights, and I keep those chemical light sticks on board, too.