Learn to Sail Like a Pro - Ten Step Sailing Partner Training Guide

Have you trained your spouse or partner in the most important things they need to know to operate your small cruising boat?  To learn to sail like a pro, this should be a top priority. After all...

In the event that you are incapacitated, it's vital that they could run things alone.

Boating author John Vigor has a handy package put together in his gem of a book 'The Seaworthy Offshore Sailboat'.

These things apply no matter whether you sail offshore, along the coast or inside sheltered waters. Pass 'em on skipper!

1. Marine anchor and ground tackle

Show your crew how to inspect the ground tackle and how all the parts link together. Explain the importance of scope, choosing an anchorage, and how to lower and raise the anchor without damage or injury.

2. How to steer a compass course

Your partner should be able to steer a compass course within 3-5 degrees. Show him or her how to average a course by steering to one side and then the other for equal intervals. Teach them how to plot a basic compass course and locate their position by latitude and longitude taken from a marine gps.

3. Boat diesel engine operation

Go through the pre-start checklist for diesel engines. This includes checking oil, coolant and opening the raw water seacock. Start the engine and let your partner operate the shifter and throttle, and maneuver the boat. Explain safe fueling procedures.

4. Marine battery and shore power

Show how to use the battery selector for startup, charging and house power. Walk through shore power hookup and breakdown.

5. Boat sails

Point out the halyards to raise and lower each boat sail, how to use the mainsheet and boom vang, and how to lower, furl or reef each sail.

6. Self-steering

Explain the basic setting for the wind vane or autopilot on different points of sail or sea conditions. Be sure to emphasize that autopilots use lots of juice, so the batteries must be monitored.

7. Marine flares and survival equipment

Demonstrate the basic steps to use marine hand-held or parachute rocket flares. Point out the emergency "ditch-kit" and explain how a marine EPIRB works.

8. Marine stove and oven operation

Demonstrate the procedure for pre-ventilation, lighting and shutting down alcohol, kerosene or propane stoves. Describe fire fighting procedures.

9. Marine bilge pumps

Point out each bilge pump. Show how to check the float switch and how to operate each manual pump aboard.

10. Marine radio operation

Post the procedures for a Mayday distress call next to the marine radio. If you have digital selective calling (DSC), post those procedures. Go through each step with your partner.

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All too often, we tend to forget that our spouse or partner needs to know how to run the small cruising boat too. Give yourself peace-of-mind today and pass on these ten sailing tips to your loved one!