Are you preparing your boat for a family sailing trip, organising a long trip and don’t know what to take on board?

Here are some of the essential items to take on board when sailing.

We must start from the premise that each maritime navigation area requires certain elements that may vary depending on the area being sailed, therefore, what we will name here will be generic elements for all navigation areas.

Let’s start with the elements of Safety and Prevention in navigation. The equipment listed in this section is usually compulsory and required by the Capitanía Marítima, so most of the elements may already be on board, but it is advisable to check and make sure.

First Aid Kit: Check that all the products contained in the first aid kit have the current expiry date and that they comply with the navigation zone of the vessel. This first aid kit usually contains: Betadine (lodopovidone), Alcohol 98 (skin solution), plasters for scars, a box of gauze, hydrophilic cotton, elastic bandages…
Life jackets: according to the 1974 SOLAS convention on minimum standards for equipment and use on board ships for maritime safety.
Life jackets: according to the 1974 SOLAS convention.
Courtesy lines: important for entry into other ports which do not have lines or for towing the vessel.
Safety flares: according to the 1974 SOLAS Convention.
Boathook: to be used in ports to pick up lines or to avoid any collision with the boat.
Fire extinguishers.
Tool box: essential for the unforeseen repair of any problem on board on the spot.

Once we have the Safety and Prevention luggage under control and on board, we can continue selecting and planning the supplies for our voyage. On these types of voyages we must know how to choose well and not have unnecessary excess material.

It is important to select the clothes you will wear during the trip. Choose comfortable clothing in accordance with the environment you will be in, waterproof clothing, a reflective rain jacket, good footwear with appropriate soles for this on board, gloves, hats and sunglasses. This type of personal luggage is essential and requires taking the time to check that we have everything we need and that we have not left anything on land.

On any voyage, whether short or long, it is important to stock up on food and drink. Above all, priority should be given to bottled water and canned food that does not require much processing and contains the calories and carbohydrates needed to recover the energy expended daily.

Last but not least, entertainment items. It is advisable to avoid heavy or complex things in its development, therefore, it is recommended to bring books, packs of cards, crossword puzzles, fishing rods … not complex entertainment but that make the hours of navigation more enjoyable and fun, either alone or in company.

From Lovit Charter Puerto Banus we advise that before each trip, the boat should be well checked both inside and outside and that all possible safety and prevention measures should be taken to avoid any catastrophe during the trip. Remember, first and foremost, safety and logic?

Have a good trip and see you in the next port, Captain!