Offshore Sailing Essentials.

Alex Morrison

FROM THE AUTHOR

The most important task guides for sailors preparing for or completing offshore passages. Covers provisioning, rigging inspection, sail handling, and critical system checks.

— Alex Morrison

ENTRIES · IN ORDER OF EXECUTION

5 OF 5

Task guide

Plan this first — provisioning sets the tone for the whole passage

IntermediateSailing & Boating · Passage Preparation

Provision a Boat for a 10-Day Offshore Passage

Plan and execute provisioning for a 10-day offshore passage. Covers food and water calculations, fresh vs. long-life provisioning, storage, meal planning by watch, and safety rations.

7 videos on this taskOpen task →

Task guide

IntermediateSailing & Boating · Rigging & Sails

Inspect Standing Rigging Before an Offshore Passage

Systematic inspection of shrouds, stays, chainplates, toggles, turnbuckles, and masthead fittings before an offshore passage. Covers crack detection, swage inspection, and when to replace.

2 videos on this taskOpen task →

Task guide

Critical safety check — do not leave the dock without testing this

BeginnerSailing & Boating · Plumbing & Water Systems

Test and Replace a Bilge Pump

Test automatic and manual bilge pumps, check float switches, and replace a failed pump. Covers wiring, hose routing, through-hull connections, and confirming flow rate.

2 videos on this taskOpen task →

Task guide

Know this before you need it offshore

IntermediateSailing & Boating · Rigging & Sails

Unjam an In-Mast Furling Mainsail

Diagnose and safely resolve a jammed in-mast furling mainsail, especially under load or while underway. Covers load reduction, halyard tension, furling line issues, and when to seek assistance.

6 videos on this taskOpen task →

Task guide

IntermediateSailing & Boating · Rigging & Sails

Reef a Mainsail Safely in Heavy Wind

Single-line and traditional reefing technique for mainsails in heavy weather. Covers timing, helm coordination, luff and leech reefing lines, slab vs. jiffy reefing, and shaking out a reef.

9 videos on this taskOpen task →

Other lists by Alex Morrison.

Sailing & Boating05 ITEMS

Spring Commissioning for Cruising Sailboats

Alex Morrison

Sailing & Boating04 ITEMS

Offshore Sailing Emergency Troubleshooting

Alex Morrison