Figuring Out Yachting Equipment

Equipment to Ensure Smooth Sailing

A yacht is a sophisticated vessel and requires a large amount of equipment to function. While many of things come standard on any size yacht, some may need to be brought along with you or checked that they are indeed already in place.

Registration Papers and all documentation pertaining to the yacht must be kept on board.

Anchors are essential on board a yacht. Should you find the perfect idyllic spot to stop and go snorkelling, swimming or scuba diving, an anchor is the only way to ensure that your yacht won’t have drifted away by the time you return.

Boat Hooks protect you from injury during the docking process.

Mooring Lines are used during the docking process, which is often the trickiest part of a journey. Relying on equipment to hold the yacht steady and bring her into dock is much safer and more reliable than your arms and legs.

Navigation Lights are usually a federal requirement on board any yacht, particularly on those that are motorised. Their use is mandatory after dark.

A Bilge Pump or any other type of de-watering device is used in the event of the yacht beginning to take on water.

A Basic Tool Kit can come in handy when you need to fix that broken light bulb or squeaky galley drawer. It is useful to keep a torch and spare batteries in here too.

Yachting Safety Equipment

It is also essential that you and your passengers are safe on board your yacht at all times. A yachting holiday is an incredible experience whether you are in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean or South East Asia, and no one wants it to be marred by a little sunburn. Being prepared is the only way to ensure that everyone enjoys their time on board and that any potential setbacks can be avoided.

First Aid Kits should always be on hand so that minor incidents such as cuts and bruises can be dealt with on board and do not have to force a trip to the mainland. Every first aid kit should also include sunscreen and after-sun ointment for a soothing end to a languid day in the sunshine.

A Marine Radio is essential on board any vessel and acts as your primary connection to the mainland. Make sure that at least two people on board know how to use it and can radio out if the need arises.

A Chart and Compass or GPS is useful if you intend to sail far off shore. Heading out without a clear idea of where you are going is never a good plan. Having someone on board who can read a compass and chart a course should be a requirement.

A Throwable Flotation Device or a life ring acts as a life saving device should anyone fall overboard and should be kept in an easily accessible place on deck.

A Fire Extinguisher is a requirement on any vessel and larger yachts may be required to carry more than one. Ensure that your fire extinguisher is Coast Guard approved and keep it in the vicinity of the engine or fuel tank.

A Horn or Whistle is legally required to be carried on board any yacht sailing in federal waters.

Visual Distress Signals are necessary on both day and night voyages and should be within their expiration date.

Yachting Equipment for You

Once your yacht is fully equipped and you are confident that you have whatever would be needed in an emergency, the next step is to make sure that you are also prepared.

Drinking Water should be kept in a safe place as an emergency supply.

Snacks that are high in protein and are non-perishable will be a lifesaver should you be away from land perusing some spectacular coral reefs for an extended period of time.

Hats and Sun screen are a non-negotiable necessity on board a yacht. No one wants to have to spend their yachting holiday below deck thanks to a scorching sunburn.

Life jackets are essential on board, especially if you intend to make use of water sports equipment like wind surfers or wave runners.

A Cell Phone can retain its signal at surprising distances out to sea. Keeping one on board can be handy to get in touch with loved ones or be reachable should anyone need you back home.

Warm Clothes are vital on board a yacht. Nights can get cold out on the open sea and you don’t want to shiver throughout your holiday. But this doesn’t mean that you should bring huge amounts of clothing. Space on a yacht is limited, so pack light with necessities over accessories.

Regular Medications are easy to forget and can make a yachting holiday unpleasant if you do not have them on hand.

A Camera is not exactly an essential, but with those breathtaking sunsets waiting for you, you will be sorry if you left yours behind.

Avoiding All the Equipment

If your dream of sailing off into the sunset, cocktail in hand now feels like it is drowning in admin and things to remember, there is another way to go. Heading out on a yacht charter means that all these details are sorted out for you well in advance and all that is left for you to do is step on board. Companies organise private yacht charters on vessels ranging in size from 20 ft to 150 ft. Consultants can help tailor your yachting itinerary to suit your needs, hire the right crew and even equip your yacht. From the docking papers to the chef, a Yacht Broker can ensure that your holiday is hassle-free and fully equipped with everything you could ever need on board. From safety equipment to entertainment features, Yachting Partners International ensures that all your needs are catered for and that all eventualities are accounted for.