Library
Over the years I’ve collected quite a few books on sailing and racing, and in an attempt to spread the knowledge around the boat I’m going to try and set up a Barda boat library. If you’re on the crew you can sign out a book and bring it back in a few weeks - the books will live in a large box in the boot of my car.

Lifejackets
There are 7 auto inflating adult life jackets on board, all with a harness attachment point that live in a white carry bag with ‘lifejackets’ stored in front of the engine box in the saloon. Although I regularly check the auto inflators, if we are going to use them in anger it’s worth checking they are OK - peel back the velcro to reveal the mechanism below the gas bottle and make sure you can see a green cap - if it shows red then it means the system has already been triggered and needs servicing (there are also re-arming kits aboard).

If you are not sure how to put the jacket on then ask somebody to help you - although it needs to be a snug fit don’t do it up too tight. When the jacket inflates in the water it ‘grows’ a bit and if the straps are to tight you may have trouble breathing - if this is the case you can let a bit of air out by sticking your finger in the inflator/deflator tube, loosen the strap a bit then puff in some more air. There is also a whistle attached to each jacket and if it fails to inflate when you need it then pull the lanyard to manually trigger the inflation, or if that fails peel back the velcro and blow into the tube on your chest.

I try and show how these work to everybody who comes aboard, but if I have missed you or you want a refresher then please ask me before we leave the dock.

As to when we wear life jackets, well most of the time I leave it up to you and if you want to always put one on then that’s fine with me. If you choose not to always wear one then that is your choice and your risk, but if we are short-handed, the forecast says the wind will rise over 15 knots during our sail or we get a hunch there is a blow on the way then everybody wears one and never hesitate to suggest it if you personally think it’s a good idea.

Now although the lifejackets I have provided are up to standard, I would advise regular crew intending to sail offshore on Barda to think about buying an upgraded model of their own to include thigh straps and individual strobe lights - I think this needs to be as important a part of your kit as your wet weather gear.

Locks
Southwick canal where Barda lives is non-tidal and to reach the sea we need to pass through one of two locks. Usually we go through the smaller of the two and we’ll need a mooring line ready forward and aft along with fenders.

Listen to what I’m asking for and don’t let go any lines unless you get the nod from me. The only other thing to try and remember is not to stand in the way and obscure my view from the helm.

The locks let boats out on the hour and we can get back at half past each hour - if you are running late for the boat then it is possible to meet us at the lock but make sure we know that is your intention and we’ll loiter around for as long as possible.

Lookout
There are a lot of blind spots from the helm so to avoid collisions we all need to keep our eyes peeled - never ever assume the skipper has seen a converging boat. If you think there’s even a distant chance of a collision then please pipe up and make sure we are all looking at the same threat. If you drop down to the leeward side of the boat to trim the headsail always have a look around and report on what’s going on before you head back for the rail.

I also like to be informed as to what is going on around us. Things worth looking out for includes incoming gusts and/or large waves and boats around us suddenly pointing higher/lower indicating an imminent change in wind direction (header/lifter). If we are going duelling with another boat I need simple but concise information such as “Mo Jo is 3 boat lengths away at our 8 O'clock, we are moving ahead and pointing slightly higher”. This is much more helpful than saying “We’re pissing all over Mo Jo”.

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