Before setting sail from Shoreham Sailing Club we advise all individuals to carry out a risk assessment taking into account the following (for themselves, their crew and anyone they are responsible for);
- The weather forecast and tides (before leaving home and at the club);
- Wind strength – What wind strengths are you comfortable and confident sailing in?
- Wind direction – Does this affect launch and recovery and where you intend to sail?
- Tide times – When will this change (usually 1 hour before published time at sea)?
- Tide direction – Will this affect the sea state in relation to the weather conditions?
- The weather conditions at club – Are they as expected? Should you change plans?
- Boat: Check all fixtures and fittings to ensure that your boat(s) is/are seaworthy and can cope with the conditions you plan to set sail in.
- Useful safety equipment to consider carrying on board
- EPIRB, VHF or phone in a waterproof bag – consider using the Safetrx App.
- Long towline and anchor
- Paddle
- Water and food
- Spare clothing
- Clothing: Make sure you, your crew and those you are responsible for are wearing personal flotation devices and are suitably dressed for the current and forecast conditions.
- Temperature: Take into account the temperature of the air and water in what you wear so as to avoid the extremes of hypothermia and sunstroke.
- Sunscreen: The sun may not appear strong but it is always adviseable to wear sunscreen on exposed skin.
- Make a plan for your sailing based on;
- Tide direction and strength – Best practice is to sail up-tide first
- Wind direction and strength – Best practice is to sail upwind first
- Weather forecast – Is there a front coming in which will limit your sailing time?
- Temperature (of air and water) – How long do you intend to sail for?
- Distance from shore – How far out are you comfortable with?
- Tell someone of your plan to sail and the timing of your return – see Coastguard Watch (opposite) who can be contacted if the station is manned.
- Have a launch and recovery plan, taking into account wind direction and tide. For single handers a long painter or tow line may be useful to hold onto or for tying off if the conditions are right.
- Launch either side of high tide as shorter distance to move trolley
- How will you move your trolley after launching boat?
- How will you recover your trolley when boat is on the water?
- When on the water always stay alert for;
- Changes to weather patterns and sea states – should you cut short you sailing plan?
- Shipping – particularly when in the Port. Keep clear of all commercial traffic. The light on the middle harbour arm (opposite the club) will flash when a vessel is coming in or out of the Port
- On return, inform your nominated person.