Lots of different ideas.
So of course, we have ours as well.
1. Log every sailing experience,
2, Learn and practice coastal
navigation, and even how to use a
sextant . And of course
GPS. Use all aspects of navigation not just depend on electronic aids only.
3. Stand watches, set schedules, be aware of traffic situations, and
weather changes, know sail trim, reef down early, learn to
marine weather, and how to get forecasts, and also by
wind direction, clouds, and looking at the sea state. Take a really good
marine weather class.
5. Good plan to learn how to fix boat problems, including all boat systems, engines, heads, fresh
water,
electrical, standing
rigging, all pumps, the list goes on and on, etc.
6. Take longer passages, coastal or off shore, and keep pilling on those experiences.
7. Practice all different methods of
anchoring,
single hook, bow and stern and bahamian more, and when to use them. And of course
mooring pickups, and
docking.
learn to do these undersail, as well as
power. Some areas you will be cruising will
med moor to the
dock, and use pilings.
8. understand fully SKIPPERS RESPONSIBILITY for the boat and everyone on board.
9.
Racing, if you enjoy it, why not. Go for it ! But, my experience with racing skippers, was opposite of my attitude on
safety and good seaman ship and common sense. Plus all the screaming and cursing, and after the
race, complaining and protesting, etc. They get people hurt and at the after
race party brag about that, or blowing out
sails, breaking something, etc.
Not all racing skippers are what I have experienced. Watch the America's Cup crews, all calm collected, and professional, and racing the big boys. There are other racing skippers in the Y.C. races that are excellent. And you will learn sail trim big time as well as racing tactics.
9. I like taking your sailing
classes with different instructors, and
learning every thing that you can from all of them, and put all that into practice.
10. You need to get our there and sail, a lot, and in rough weather, and use different sail plans to handle those conditions. Get your crew accustom to rough weather sailing, and
safety harness, and tethers and jack lines.
11, Learn to read
reefs, and shallows,and what navigational aids you will be experiencing in different countries. And use and study
cruising guides ahead of time, and be prepared.
Might even get some experience bare boat chartering in different cruising grounds that prepare you sailing in totally different conditions that home
ports. Maybe the
BVI and
Tahiti.
As to the insurance, you are getting great
advice from the other posters. But the best thing is not to need to file a claim, and keep you and your vessel and crew safe and happy by using your knowledge and good seamanship.
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