SAFETY


RIGGING AND HARDWARE: m Inspect wire rigging for broken strands and corrosion, especially around swage fittings. On a dinghy, check the area where the sidestays attach to the deck and the forestay attaches to the bow. A broken strand carries not just the risk of injury, but it may also be an indicator that the wire may fail. Replace any wire rigging that has broken strands.


m Check all cotter pins and split/cotter rings. Replace any that show evidence of excessive bending or stretching, and those that are not the right size for their intended use.


m Check rigging for proper tension. A loose rig can cause a loss of performance, unnecessary wear on the boat, or more serious damage to the mast partners/ mast thwart.


m Check blocks, cleats, and deck fittingsfor damage and wear. Replace any fittings that show signs of fatigue, wear to teeth or springs, or that are broken.


m Check all nuts and bolts on the boat, making sure they are properly tightened. In particular, check the rudder head, bracket, pintles, and gudgeons to be sure they are secure.


m Inspect all lines and replace those that show excessive wear or chafe. Ends of lines should be whipped or melted to prevent fraying and to allow them to pass easily through blocks and fairleads.


m Check drain plugs for proper fit. Remove plugs to drain water from tanks, installing plugs after draining and before launching. Replace any that do not provide a good seal.


SAILS: m Inspect sails for wear and tears. Sail repair tape can be a temporary repair for small holes or tears and can help prevent more substantial damage. Tape repairs, however, are a quick fix until you can return to shore and have the sail repaired properly.


m Check battens to make sure they are securely in place. A missing batten can cause premature wear to the sail. It is often a good idea to stitch or tape battens in place.


m Check the condition and function of your jib and mainsail hanks, slugs and bolt ropes, as well as any sail windows.


SAFETY EQUIPMENT: m In addition to your life jacket, you are required to have a sound-producing device on board such as a whistle. It’s best attached it to your life jacket.


m If your boat is not self-bailing, a bailer or bucket (with a line attached to your boat so it does not go overboard as marine debris), sponge, or pump should be included in your safety gear.


m The prudent sailor will also carry several spare clevis pins, split rings, and extra lengths of line. A small multi-tool and electrical tape can also be handy for making small repairs on water. What you carry may be impacted by the experience level of sailors and the program rules at your organization.


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