Checklists
Sailing safely, like flying an airplane, means building pathways toward a consistent pattern of behaviors and procedures. Checklists are a way to formalize that process.
The lists below represent an organized way to prepare Celtic Song to leave her slip, get underway and, at the end of the sail, return to the dock. You will find paper copies on board. They are published here for you to study.
Use them as a way to prepare for sailing and to review what you've learned once you're back on land. Having each crew member perform tasks in the same way every time will lead to better communication, safer sailing and a more enjoyable experience.
The lists below represent an organized way to prepare Celtic Song to leave her slip, get underway and, at the end of the sail, return to the dock. You will find paper copies on board. They are published here for you to study.
Use them as a way to prepare for sailing and to review what you've learned once you're back on land. Having each crew member perform tasks in the same way every time will lead to better communication, safer sailing and a more enjoyable experience.
- Check On -- Checking systems below and above deck, creating a log entry to document the sail and preparing the boat for departure from the dock
- Leaving the dock -- How to get Celtic Song out of her slip in San Diego.
- Getting Underway -- The transition from motoring from dock to sailing
- Returning to the Dock -- Getting the boat ready to return to her slip
- Docking -- How to get Celtic Song back safely into her slip
- Check Off -- Necessary steps to stow gear, shut down systems and depart from the boat
1. Check on
Page from Celtic Song's Log Book
Check-On Day Sail List 040217
(Check and Initial each item when completed)
Below Deck
Log Book (Dated and in ink)
_____ Create log form on empty right-hand page based on previous entries
_____ List crew names and emergency contact names and numbers of each POB
_____ Weather: Wind speed, direction; wave height, intervals; weather forecast; tides, current, moon
_____ Engine: Check engine oil level; have second crew member check that dipstick is properly seated; alternator belt (1/2” slack or less) hoses, clamps, check pad under engine for oil, fuel, debris
Enter fuel level, engine hours, oil pressure and water temp. after starting engine (Fuel and engine hour gauges located above circuit breakers)
_____ Safety Equipment: Locate and note flares, horn, life jackets, fire extinguishers, bell, throwable, Life Sling
_____ Radio check and operation: Hail Tow Boat US on 16, switch to designated channel, request radio check for San Diego Harbor (or current location). Know how to transmit for assistance.
_____ Bilge: Note counter number and test bilge pumps
_____ Battery: Log in voltage for house
_____ Enter any maintenance items or additional notes on left-hand page. Print your name and date on bottom of right-hand page
Electronics
_____ Locate depth sounder transducer under V-berth cabin sole
_____ Clean knot meter impeller and install; located next to transducer; have second crew check for leaks
_____ Electrical panel: turn on radar/chart plotter switch (bottom two yellow dots)
_____ Get a fix on master chart plotter. (Press FIND SHIP for latitude and longitude)
_____ Turn on ST2000 — top two yellow dot switches on electric panel
_____ Turn on slave unit, near companionway, starboard (Press FIND SHIP for current lat and long)
_____ Turn on AIS located above navigation station
Boat Systems
_____ Check whether Head is operational and yellow valve in proper position
_____ Fridge temperature _______ Freezer temperature______
_____ Check bilge water level and cleanliness; lift floor board on sole next to nav station
Additional Safety Equipment
_____ Locate and count life jackets (Number: Adult______Child_____ In shower stall and under nav station seat)
_____ Locate first-aid kits
Above Deck
Clearing Deck, Checking the Rigging
_____ Remove canvas (sail and wheel covers, etc.); stow in port lazarette
_____ Remove and store plastic instrument covers in canvas bag under nav station
_____ Attach halyard shackle to main and secure under sail tie; don’t let halyard get away from you
_____ Remove jib sail tie and unwrap sheets from forward cleats
_____ Flake mainsheet down companionway; drop topping lift and boom vang lines down as well
_____ Open clutches for reefing lines, boom vang, and boom brake. All lines ready to run free
_____ Identify all lines in cockpit, and understand their purpose
_____ Center traveller
Other Equipment
_____ Check bow anchor is properly fastened
_____ Windlass operational?
_____ Winch handles in coaming box
_____ Install VHF RAM mic in cockpit coaming
_____ Boathook attached to starboard mid-deck grab rail; understand how to open and use
_____ Air horn in cockpit
_____ Attach horseshoe buoy to stern with clove hitch
_____ Fenders (how many & where?)
_____ Dock lines and location
Engine Start Procedure
_____ Turn off power switch at dock (slip 115); unplug electric cord from boat and secure it to rail on steps
_____ Center helm
_____ Place transmission in neutral; start engine by turning key (starts like a car); tuck key float inside plastic engine cover. Control panel located post side of cockpit near binnacle
_____ Check engine water discharge off port side stern area
_____ Enter fuel level, engine hours, oil pressure and water temperature in log book
(Check and Initial each item when completed)
Below Deck
Log Book (Dated and in ink)
_____ Create log form on empty right-hand page based on previous entries
_____ List crew names and emergency contact names and numbers of each POB
_____ Weather: Wind speed, direction; wave height, intervals; weather forecast; tides, current, moon
_____ Engine: Check engine oil level; have second crew member check that dipstick is properly seated; alternator belt (1/2” slack or less) hoses, clamps, check pad under engine for oil, fuel, debris
Enter fuel level, engine hours, oil pressure and water temp. after starting engine (Fuel and engine hour gauges located above circuit breakers)
_____ Safety Equipment: Locate and note flares, horn, life jackets, fire extinguishers, bell, throwable, Life Sling
_____ Radio check and operation: Hail Tow Boat US on 16, switch to designated channel, request radio check for San Diego Harbor (or current location). Know how to transmit for assistance.
_____ Bilge: Note counter number and test bilge pumps
_____ Battery: Log in voltage for house
_____ Enter any maintenance items or additional notes on left-hand page. Print your name and date on bottom of right-hand page
Electronics
_____ Locate depth sounder transducer under V-berth cabin sole
_____ Clean knot meter impeller and install; located next to transducer; have second crew check for leaks
_____ Electrical panel: turn on radar/chart plotter switch (bottom two yellow dots)
_____ Get a fix on master chart plotter. (Press FIND SHIP for latitude and longitude)
_____ Turn on ST2000 — top two yellow dot switches on electric panel
_____ Turn on slave unit, near companionway, starboard (Press FIND SHIP for current lat and long)
_____ Turn on AIS located above navigation station
Boat Systems
_____ Check whether Head is operational and yellow valve in proper position
_____ Fridge temperature _______ Freezer temperature______
_____ Check bilge water level and cleanliness; lift floor board on sole next to nav station
Additional Safety Equipment
_____ Locate and count life jackets (Number: Adult______Child_____ In shower stall and under nav station seat)
_____ Locate first-aid kits
Above Deck
Clearing Deck, Checking the Rigging
_____ Remove canvas (sail and wheel covers, etc.); stow in port lazarette
_____ Remove and store plastic instrument covers in canvas bag under nav station
_____ Attach halyard shackle to main and secure under sail tie; don’t let halyard get away from you
_____ Remove jib sail tie and unwrap sheets from forward cleats
_____ Flake mainsheet down companionway; drop topping lift and boom vang lines down as well
_____ Open clutches for reefing lines, boom vang, and boom brake. All lines ready to run free
_____ Identify all lines in cockpit, and understand their purpose
_____ Center traveller
Other Equipment
_____ Check bow anchor is properly fastened
_____ Windlass operational?
_____ Winch handles in coaming box
_____ Install VHF RAM mic in cockpit coaming
_____ Boathook attached to starboard mid-deck grab rail; understand how to open and use
_____ Air horn in cockpit
_____ Attach horseshoe buoy to stern with clove hitch
_____ Fenders (how many & where?)
_____ Dock lines and location
Engine Start Procedure
_____ Turn off power switch at dock (slip 115); unplug electric cord from boat and secure it to rail on steps
_____ Center helm
_____ Place transmission in neutral; start engine by turning key (starts like a car); tuck key float inside plastic engine cover. Control panel located post side of cockpit near binnacle
_____ Check engine water discharge off port side stern area
_____ Enter fuel level, engine hours, oil pressure and water temperature in log book
2. Leaving the Dock
This list is a section of the Docking 101 lesson
Steps for departure from slip:
Steps for departure from slip:
- The helm factors in wind and current conditions and outlines the exit plan and assigns crew responsibilities.
- Crew members are stationed on the dock on each side of the boat.
- The helmsman centers the helm by turning the wheel all the way in one direction and then back to center. Check the instrument above the cockpit steps to make sure indicator shows helm is centered.
- Helm briefly engages transmission in forward (then back to neutral) and reverse to make sure everything works. Also tests bow thrusters.
- Upon signal from the helm, crew releases lines in this order: bow then stern, announcing to helm after each action. Bow and stern lines remain on board; crew boards at shrouds, ready to release red spring lines that remain on dock.
- Before helm gives order to release spring lines, he places engine in reverse idle. Crew release spring lines and places them on dock.
- The helm applies power in reverse and, keeping his hand on throttle, backs away. Increase throttle to about 1,500 RPM to get water moving over rudder and boat moving, then reduce RPM. When most of the way out of the slip, turn the wheel hard to starboard. Use of bow thrusters may be necessary to keep the bow parallel to slip during the exit. Thrusters move the bow in the direction of the thruster arrow. Remember to keep a firm grip on the wheel at all times in reverse.
- Once out of the slip with plenty of room away from lee shore and with enough momentum to clear dangers off the bow, the helm deploys FWP — Forward, Wheel, Power. Remember to shift from reverse to neutral before engaging forward gear.
3. Getting underway
Stowing Lines, Raising Sails after Leaving the Dock
_____ Coil the dock lines in a figure 8
_____ Secure each of the lines by taking 3 to 5 turns around the bundle secure with a loop over the top (see illustration)
_____ Tie the bow line ends together with a square knot and store bow and stern dock lines in the aft propane locker, careful to avoid crimping the propane hoses
_____ Tie the four fenders to the stern rail with rolling hitches and two half hitches on the standing part of the line. Do not stow fenders forward of the blue tape on the port side
Raising the Main
_____ Center the main
_____ Make sure brakes for reefing lines, boom brake, boom vang are open so the lines can run free
_____ Head to wind, remove sail ties from front to aft
_____ Take slack out of the main halyard
_____ When all crew are in the cockpit, release main sheet
_____ With main halyard in self-tailing winch, raise the halyard from the helm using the slow speed drive. Keep your eyes on the sail, making sure it goes up smoothly
_____ When the sail is 12 inches from top, use manual winch handle to finish raising the sail until luff is wrinkle-free
Unfurling the Jib
_____ Fall off the wind to a close reach
_____ Uncoil the black roller furling line (port side) and flake so it can run free
_____ Crew member prepares to ease out the line, keeping tension on it. Never let the line run out uncontrolled
_____ Another crew member pulls the working jib sheet, unfurling the sail. These two people will work together. Make sure the lazy jib line runs free
_____ On a close haul or close reach, the telltales should fly parallel to the deck. Use winch handle to adjust
_____ Turn off the engine by pressing and holding the red button until engine stops. Turn off key. Never turn the key off while engine is running
_____ Coil and secure furling line
_____ Set your course and enjoy the sail
_____ Coil the dock lines in a figure 8
_____ Secure each of the lines by taking 3 to 5 turns around the bundle secure with a loop over the top (see illustration)
_____ Tie the bow line ends together with a square knot and store bow and stern dock lines in the aft propane locker, careful to avoid crimping the propane hoses
_____ Tie the four fenders to the stern rail with rolling hitches and two half hitches on the standing part of the line. Do not stow fenders forward of the blue tape on the port side
Raising the Main
_____ Center the main
_____ Make sure brakes for reefing lines, boom brake, boom vang are open so the lines can run free
_____ Head to wind, remove sail ties from front to aft
_____ Take slack out of the main halyard
_____ When all crew are in the cockpit, release main sheet
_____ With main halyard in self-tailing winch, raise the halyard from the helm using the slow speed drive. Keep your eyes on the sail, making sure it goes up smoothly
_____ When the sail is 12 inches from top, use manual winch handle to finish raising the sail until luff is wrinkle-free
Unfurling the Jib
_____ Fall off the wind to a close reach
_____ Uncoil the black roller furling line (port side) and flake so it can run free
_____ Crew member prepares to ease out the line, keeping tension on it. Never let the line run out uncontrolled
_____ Another crew member pulls the working jib sheet, unfurling the sail. These two people will work together. Make sure the lazy jib line runs free
_____ On a close haul or close reach, the telltales should fly parallel to the deck. Use winch handle to adjust
_____ Turn off the engine by pressing and holding the red button until engine stops. Turn off key. Never turn the key off while engine is running
_____ Coil and secure furling line
_____ Set your course and enjoy the sail
4. Readying for return to dock
Orderly lines make tasks safer
Returning to the Dock under Power
_____ If sailing, turn on engine
_____ Raise lazy jacks
_____ Make sure all lines are orderly and can run free
_____ Head downwind on broad reach so main blankets jib. Haul in jib with furling line, keeping tension on leeward jib sheet
_____ Communicate plan to drop main; head directly into wind; adjust lazy jack on former leeward side, if necessary; drop main, pull the sail aft, making sure flakes are even and orderly; use sail ties to tie down main
_____ Tie fenders onto stanchions, two on each side with small fenders toward bow
_____ Secure bow and stern dock lines to cleats and lead over lifelines when close to dock
_____ Check gears, forward, neutral and reverse
_____ Check bow thrusters
_____ Move boom to port
_____ If sailing, turn on engine
_____ Raise lazy jacks
_____ Make sure all lines are orderly and can run free
_____ Head downwind on broad reach so main blankets jib. Haul in jib with furling line, keeping tension on leeward jib sheet
_____ Communicate plan to drop main; head directly into wind; adjust lazy jack on former leeward side, if necessary; drop main, pull the sail aft, making sure flakes are even and orderly; use sail ties to tie down main
_____ Tie fenders onto stanchions, two on each side with small fenders toward bow
_____ Secure bow and stern dock lines to cleats and lead over lifelines when close to dock
_____ Check gears, forward, neutral and reverse
_____ Check bow thrusters
_____ Move boom to port
5. Docking
Steps for returning to slip:
- Crew deploys fenders and readies bow and stern lines being careful to run the lines on the outside of the lifelines and flaking them on top of the lifelines for easy deployment.
- Helm assesses wind and current conditions and adjusts approach accordingly.
- Helm outlines arrival plan and assigns crew responsibilities.
- Helm adjusts speed to conditions: slow enough to stop when necessary but fast enough to maintain steerage control. Celtic Song weighs about 24,000 pounds so keeping speed to minimum in neutral is necessary. Try not to rely on reverse because prop walk will turn the stern -- and the bow -- just as you’re trying to go straight.
- Approach the slip with a speed of 1 to 1.5 knots, using forward and neutral to maintain steerage. If you're going too fast, apply 1,500 to 2,000 RPM in reverse to slow the boat and lessen any impact.
- As boat glides into slip, crew members step off from shrouds onto dock and secure the boat with the spring lines. These will stop any forward motion.
- Helm powers on reverse to completely stop boat. Crew secures stern and then bow lines.
- Three things to keep in mind:
- If wind shifts or boat is at an angle coming into slip, keep going. Small bumps into a cushioned dock won’t damage boat. Trying to back out in a panic will.
- Crew on dock must not attempt to stop boat by grabbing the lifelines or shrouds or even hauling on lines. Don’t ever place yourself in harm's way.
- Be self sufficient. Politely refuse offers of help during docking. Rely instead on our trained crew
- Helm should take a walk around the boat to make sure all lines are secured properly.
6. check-off
Check-Off Day Sail List 040217
Above Deck
_____ Stow Lazy Jacks
_____ Attach halyard to end of boom next to topping lift
_____ Secure jib with sail tie and wrap sheets around forward cleats
_____ Cover instruments with gray plastic covers
_____ Stow ignition key above circuit breaker panel
_____ Type IV throwable and horseshoe buoy below in head
_____ Plug in electrical cord, secure to stern pulpit with attached line; turn power on at dock.
_____ Propane tank off
_____ Replace sail cover and all canvas covers
_____ Stow PFD vests below near nav station
_____Stow winch handles
_____Stow VHF RAM radio
_____Coil cockpit lines and place over winches
_____Install hatch boards
_____ Hose off boat
Below Deck
_____ Check instrument gauge above circuit breakers to make sure A. power is on
_____ Turn off all yellow switches at nav station
_____ Turn off AIS
_____ Turn off VHF
_____ Wash and dry any dishes in sink
_____ Plug in electrical dehumidifier in master cabin
_____ Flush head with fresh water
_____ Close yellow intake valve in head
Above Deck
_____ Stow Lazy Jacks
_____ Attach halyard to end of boom next to topping lift
_____ Secure jib with sail tie and wrap sheets around forward cleats
_____ Cover instruments with gray plastic covers
_____ Stow ignition key above circuit breaker panel
_____ Type IV throwable and horseshoe buoy below in head
_____ Plug in electrical cord, secure to stern pulpit with attached line; turn power on at dock.
_____ Propane tank off
_____ Replace sail cover and all canvas covers
_____ Stow PFD vests below near nav station
_____Stow winch handles
_____Stow VHF RAM radio
_____Coil cockpit lines and place over winches
_____Install hatch boards
_____ Hose off boat
Below Deck
_____ Check instrument gauge above circuit breakers to make sure A. power is on
_____ Turn off all yellow switches at nav station
_____ Turn off AIS
_____ Turn off VHF
_____ Wash and dry any dishes in sink
_____ Plug in electrical dehumidifier in master cabin
_____ Flush head with fresh water
_____ Close yellow intake valve in head