Preparing for Offshore

Preparing your vessel and crew for an offshore passage can seem like an impossible task. To aid in this process, this section provides links to articles and checklists that both educate and assist with preparation.

In this section, we concentrate on four key areas essential to successful passage preparation:

  • Understand Your Boat
  • Required and Recommended Experience, Equipment, and Preparation
  • Checklist for Offshore
  • Advice from Experts

UNDERSTAND YOUR BOAT

This useful article by Salty Dawg and longtime sailor Hank George will help you understand the basic parameters of your boat’s performance and its key features, to be better able to plan and manage your offshore passage.

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE, EQUIPMENT, AND PREPARATION

A list of required and recommended equipment, experience, and preparation for your offshore passage, compiled by the Salty Dawg’s veteran offshore sailors. Study it carefully and implement this in the best manner you can for your vessel.

CHECKLIST FOR OFFSHORE

The To-Do List before a passage can be daunting.  This is a comprehensive checklist that will help guide you through the priorities for a successful passage. You’ll find guidance about spares, special tools, safety gear, provisions, inspections, and more.

ADVICE FROM EXPERTS

The Salty Dawg’s veteran offshore sailors have prepared this collection of articles providing superb advice to sailors on many topics of important to safe and fun offshore sailing and cruising.