Safety first

Staying safe on board is a key priority for most sailors. And the further from land you sail, the more there is to think about as the prospect of immediate rescue by the Coastguard recedes. Ocean racers and bluewater sailors in particular have to carry enough kit to survive for days, when help can arrive.

But knowing what to buy is complicated, and there is a whole ecosystem of competing kit vying for the attention of you and your wallet. From drogues and MOB recovery kits to lifejackets and liferafts, you need to make the right decisions for your crew, your boat and your cruising plans. Use our handy guide to help you.

First things first.

Lifejackets.

These are just as relevant whether you’re a mile up the creek or 500 miles offshore. The standard is 150N of buoyancy, but some manufacturers build a bit more into their jackets. A beefed up 275N standard also exists, which is more suited to sailors wearing lots of bulky clothes, drysuits or frequently weighed down with tools. For offshore work, make sure it has a sprayhood, harness, crotch-strap, light and pouch for a PLB or AIS beacon.

“When choosing an offshore lifejacket the key points are comfort, fit and adjustment,” says Spinlock’s James Hall. “As an offshore sailor, you are likely to be wearing your lifejacket for long periods. Getting a fit that you enjoy and that you find simple to put on will make all the difference. Both 150N