Preparing for the first multi-day cruise - tips for the beginner

[Jordann]

Hello everyone! I am preparing for my first multi-day cruise and would like some advice. My sailing will be 5 days on a 25ft sailing yacht. What things have become most important to you during such voyages? Maybe someone has recommendations for food, equipment, or things that are definitely not to be missed? I am also interested in the experience of night shifts while swimming and how best to plan rest. I would be grateful for any advice!

[Zanshin]

Where are you located - that makes a big difference in requirements.

[sailorboy1]

sun screen
extra clothes
hot and dry food
sun glasses
filed float plan
container with extra clean fuel
extra fuel filters
bug spray
flashlights

you didn't say how many people, some say a hard fixed watch schedule but I say those that are tired should sleep and those not stand watch

[Reeve21]

Not sure what you mean by "the experience of night shifts while swimming"--but for a first cruise you should limit yourself to daylight hours, and not too long a day. 4 or 5 hours at a time is fun, 7 or 8 gets tiring and the last time I did an 11 hour day I was exhausted (I'm the only one keeping watch on my boat).

Plan out your stops in advance and have a back up plan. Don't get caught up in a schedule. You have to take what the weather gives you. Have fun!

[barnakiel]

Avoid swimming during night shifts.



b

[AlyeskaMaritime]

Originally Posted by Jordann

Hello everyone! I am preparing for my first multi-day cruise and would like some advice. My sailing will be 5 days on a 25ft sailing yacht. What things have become most important to you during such voyages? Maybe someone has recommendations for food, equipment, or things that are definitely not to be missed? I am also interested in the experience of night shifts while swimming and how best to plan rest. I would be grateful for any advice!

Never leave the dock without Navy Rum -- it is essential equipment.

[ChrisJHC]

A big question is whether you’re going as crew or skipper.
Hopefully not skipper given the level of questions, but you never know!

[trswem]

Five days can be a lot on a 25'er! In our earlier trips we always took too much "stuff". The only recommendation I can add is to have a bail out plan. If you decide on day three that you've had enough, have a plan and be okay calling it early. We had a five day trip and after about the third day the kids were really showing signs of wanting to be done.

[MartinF]

I agree with Reeve21 and trswem, but I would say that your first cruise in a 25-footer should be 30 hours, the next 2 or 3 nights, and so on. Build up your experience. A lot depends on your crew; if you have your wife and kids with you aim to get ashore every day and don't reckon on beating against a fresh breeze for more than 2 hours! For more detailed responses give us a lot more info about you, your crew and your cruise plan.
-M

[Nicholson58]

Still no answers:
Where are you? What is the destination? Continuous off shore? Harbor hop? Marinas? Anchoring? Night transiting? How many crew? Autopilot? AIS? Radar? Communication means?

Our long transits are 300 to 1500 miles. We have multiple backups and spare parts for most equipment. We usually have prepared food and stores for double or more of the planned transit. On long offshore transits we have a weather router & SSB radio, In-Reach or Irridium Go for backup communication and tracking.

I suggest also tools and spare parts for likely failures. Foul weather clothing, harness, lifeboat.

[jeanathon]

troll

[thomm225]

Not much to plan.

Ice will last that long so you can take whatever food and drink you want.

Rest at the end of the day like you do on land.

Use protected anchorages.

[Kettlewell]

Well, we never swim at night, unless absolutely necessary!

[JPA Cate]

So much depends on where you are. I used to swim before going to bed at night in the Sea of Cortez. It helped to cool me down. I sort of played in the water. If there are plenty of phosphors, you can make sea angels. The water was in the 80's (F) (roughly 26.6 deg C), and the outside temp in the 90's. Helped me to sleep. Did not worry about predators in that location and time. Night dives are special, too.

Tip for beginner: take along enough dramamine or meclizine for all who are going for the whole length of the trip. You may not need any of it, but even so, it is better to be covered and able to take care of all. Sunscreen, sun glasses, sun hats, plenty of water (1/2 gal per person per day is a minimum); plan one pot camping style meals, will need extra water if you use freeze dried food.

Ann

[Island Time O25]

OP sounds like an AI post.