Prepwork is the difference between having an ok holiday and having a superb one

The hottest months of the year are upon us, and you know what this means – it’s yachting season! Sure, sporadic showers may still happen, but chances are much higher that the days are bright and the wind is gentle. It’s time to block schedules, free up some time, and plan that boating holiday you’ve been dreaming of for so many months. The key to having fun is in the preparation, so here is a basic and advanced checklist to make sure you have a good time out there.

The basic checklist

1) Food and water
Always bring more food and water than you think you need. A full weekend calls for a dedicated meal plan, along with snacks and enough potable water. It can get quite hot out at sea, so fresh water is especially important to stay hydrated.

2) Life jackets and safety equipment.
There must be one life jacket to every person on board. Aside from that, ensure the emergency kit is stocked with flares, a flashlight, ropes, and other items useful in emergencies, like whistles or duct tape.

3) First aid kit
A basic first aid kit is easy to buy and restock, so don’t overlook it. A pro-tip is to also include commonly used medication like charcoal, paracetamol, and antihistamine tablets, just in case.

4) Tool kit
It’s a first aid kit for the boat, and may prevent minor issues from becoming major issues.

5) Documentation
Malaysia does not require a license to operate a pleasure vessel, so bring along other personal documents when heading out. What’s more, keep a copy of the vessel’s documentation safe on board as well, as you never know when they will be needed.

6) Fire extinguisher
Fires are more common on board than you think, and having an extinguisher at hand can prevent a catastrophe. Larger vessels will require a larger fire extinguisher, so check with the shop when you buy one.

The pro checklist

1) UV protection
A simple hat will protect your noggin, and polarized sunglasses will protect your eyes. Sunscreen or sunblock will take care of your skin, but you can also get clothing with built-in UV protection if you don’t like the sticky mess that sunscreen creates.

2) Bring dry bags
Dry bags are precious commodity on a boat, and can be used to store dry clothing, electronics, and anything else you don’t want to get wet.

3) Coolers are cooler
Sure, room temperature water will keep you hydrated, but ice-cold aqua will quench the thirst in your soul. The fridge on board is usually not enough to hold all the water, beer, and sports drinks that needs to be chilled, so bring a good cooler filled with ice and you’ll have ice cold beverages for days.

4) Tell someone about the trip
We don’t mean to say that you should brag about the boating holiday to your mates. Always tell someone about your boating trips – where you’re going, how long you’ll be out. Then, check in with them when you get back to shore. That way, they will know to send help if they don’t hear from you.

Let’s end here

At the end of the day, boating should be fun and not exhaustively worrisome. Following a set checklist before heading out will certainly mitigate a lot of emergencies, and the more time you spend boating, the clearer will some of your needs be. Have fun out there!