on the basis that

[sailbadthesinner]

Most people cruise inshore and coastal
all the books are really about surviving wild tsunamis and hurricane ravaged seabords where you are frankly expecting the odd ''blow''

but on a warm spring day in uk waters when the forecast sounds good and the weather is warmish even if the wind and water are chill
how many people when taking the boat out actually have

handed out the lifejackets so they are fitted to each person
have the grab bag actually in a place where it can be grabbed
have the handheld vhf with live batteries to hand and in date flares to hand and not at the bottom of a locker under a load of other stuff
and have an epirb and have it on and ready for action?

or do we have the stuff but then feel a bit embarrassed talking about vhf procedure and handing out lifelines and jackets just beacuase it is a shortish hop or a weekend jaunt?

 

[copterdoctor]

If sailing with novices or non swimmers it can help them relax and enjoy themselves if they feel safe. One mans short hope is anothers life time sailing experience.

 

[Sans Bateau]

I always introduce new or unfamiliar crew to the various safety features and have things like flares to hand. It takes little time to do.

 

[jonic]

I was taught by a diving instructor that "you can never have too much safety" and I apply that every time I put to sea. All my stuff is readily to hand. The only time I have cracked a flare was on a dead calm sunny day, no wind so couldn't sail............engine crapped out just off the Raz de Seine with strong tide taking me directly towards the rocks.

 

[Judders]

There is plenty of scope for getting into trouble in the Solent and it get's proven year after year.

 

[kengill]

I would not have my EPIRB on unless in distress.

 

[ParaHandy]

well .. i mean .. how many can't read an AA atlas??!!