West Coast Cruise Plan - Gulf
Islands 2001.
Planning may be defined as an attempt to control the course of future events. This is done through the application of foresight. investigation and values to choosing an alternative course of action. This reduces uncertainty and saves time when faced with adversity.
Eight basic steps:
- Establish the need for a plan. (time, money, safe navigation).
- Set an overall goal. (cruising area).
- Collect and check existing information. (publications).
- Determine objectives to achieve the goal. (provisions, showers, daily destinations).
- Develop alternatives. (other routes or destination).
- Evaluate alternatives considering resources, priorities and conditions. (weather, fuel, water).
- Monitor progress. (implement ships log).
- Review to evaluate how well the objectives were achieved. (it may improve any of the previous steps).
Each Boat:
| Each boat must be capable of motoring at 4 knots minimum with sufficient fuel range to reach a destination plus two hours. |
| Each boat MUST have sufficient ground tackle for the cruising area. (min. 200 ft. of rode with 30 of chain). |
| Each boat should have adequate floating line for "Mediterranean" style mooring. (min. 200 ft. of 3/8" poly line). |
| If entering US waters, each boat MUST have proper boat and crew documentation for customs clearance. (Vessel registration and bill of sale, passport or proof of citizenship, birth certificate, etc). |
| Each boat must have sufficient charts and tide tables for the cruising area. A GPS receiver is beneficial. |
| Each boat must have electronic communication ability. (hand held VHF radio is marginal). |
| Each boat should have a suitable tender for shore transit. |
| Crew on each boat must be equipped with a lifejacket and adequate foul weather gear. |
| Each boat must be equipped with suitable flares or signaling device. |