CAPTAIN CHECKLIST FOR A SAILING EVENT

Safety

  1. Ensure all crew have proper equipment.
  2. Ensure your boat is equipped with safety equipment appropriate for your vessel.  Refer to the Coast Guard requirements and recommendations for a complete list.
  3. Instruct the crew about all of your safety equipment on board; point out VHF, extinguishers, life jackets, throwable flotation devices, visual & sound signaling devices, swim ladder, et al.
  4. Review your plan for Man Overboard scenario, especially if the Captain would go overboard.

Captain Checklist

Define all of the sailing event details in the Meetup event and include any of the following:
  • Number of crew you can accommodate.
  • Level of experience you wish to have for your crew.
  • Whether you have or allow smoking, drinking, pets, guests or not.
  • Any extra tasks that require help like rigging, launching, driving, etc.
Day of the event:
  • Review the Meetup event attendance status, event comments, and inform the crew of any potential last minute changes for the event.
  • Check the weather forecast for the sail and determine if the event plans need to change.  Let the crew know an hour before sail time if the sail must be delayed or cancelled.
  • Captains and all crew members must wear PFD before leaving the dock.
  • Perform a Safety Check with the crew as outlined above.
  • Captains should have blank “Temporary Membership” forms on board their boat for guests of regular members.  The captains should have each non-member of the Lake Michigan Sailing Club complete the “Temporary Membership” form with their information and sign the waiver portion.  The captain should send an email with a scanned copy of the signed “Temporary Membership” form to: LakeMichiganSailingClub@gmail.com or hand deliver the forms to one of the Lake Michigan Sailing Club officers for filing.
  • Review the sail plan with your crew.
  • Include crew in the physical effort of sailing the vessel.
  • Share your knowledge and experience with the less experienced.
  • Reasonably accommodate the comfort of your crew.  Although crew have the responsibility for their own comfort, weather conditions or less hardy crew may suggest a shorter sail.  THE CAPTAIN HAS THE FINAL DECISION!
  • Be gracious of any courtesy extended to you.

Above all, the Captain is in charge on his or her vessel.  Decisions regarding latecomers, undesirable crew, unexpected guests, duration of the sail and any other issues are solely at the discretion of the Captain!

Scroll to Top