#7: Day Sailing Done Right: What You Need to Know

This week I am giving you the foundation of a successful day trip plan. There are key pieces of information that you should include, and I’m going to provide you with my pro tips and tricks!Support me on Patreon!Sections of Your Trip Plan Document Boat – key information and unique features Crew – who and emergency contact info Itinerary – destinations and locations (GPS coordinates) Emergency Procedures – what do to if you don’t check inExamples of Trip Planning Documents BoatSmart Safeboater AceBoaterTrip Planning Apps Weather to Boat Navionics Boating AdventureSmart Trip PlanThings you need to consider to prepare your trip planThe first part of your trip plan is determining when you’re going to head out. Depending on your area this could depend on winds, tides, currents, or crew schedules. Regardless, your planning should start several days before your intended departure. The types of things you should be researching include: weather patterns: anything odd brewing in the area wind patterns: forecasted wind directions and strengths crew health: everyone in good health and physically ready for the trip boat readiness: safety gear checks, fuel topped up, water topped up, maintenance completeWho should you file your plan with?The purpose of the trip plan is to have someone follow it. This could be a spouse, family member, friend or even just a vigilant neighbour! Either way, try to find someone who will keep track of where you should be and when, and they should notice when you do not check in.Pro TipI suggest creating your own trip plan document that contains your boat specific information and emergency contact information populated that you can just re-use each time you want to head out. Then you only need to fill in the crew section, destinations and check in times!Happy Planning!Penny