Offshore and Safety Equipment

There are a number of items that should be considered for safety and operations when going offshore or even when coastal cruising. For my trip to the Bahamas, I evaluated the following "recommended" items:

Life Raft - I had a life raft on Adia, but Ama Mama just doesn't have the room for a life raft. Also given three hulls and the lack of a lead keel, the Tramp would be difficult to sink. Here's what the Tramp Sailing Manual has to say, "The Tramp has a total of seven major watertight sections plus foam buoyancy which makes it virtually unsinkable. An important point to remember, however, is that if a float is damaged below the waterline causing a hole to exist, do not open the inspection hatch. The float should be airtight and removal of the hatch would allow the entire float to flood. With the hatch in place, an airlock is formed and water cannot enter. Even with the float keel completely ripped out the airlock would be maintained and the float remain buoyant. Heeling the Tramp the other way would allow the water to drain out." 

Flip Kit - In the unlikely situation that Ama Mama flipped over, I have a Dry Tube stuffed with some survival supplies as shown below - flares, PLB (see more info below), and first aid. I will probably add some additional items to this kit such as my handheld VHF, food, water, and a survival blanket. The black line tied to the lid is hitched to one of the stern cleats and the Dry Tube is placed on the aft end of one of the nets - usually starboard. My thinking here is that if Ama Mama flips the Dry Tube will not be trapped under Ama Mama forcing me to dive for it.

Immersion / Wet Suit - I do have a wet suit and diving boots, but I don't have the same gear for Alex if he goes with me. This is not a big concern given the water temperature and the time of year of the sail.

Jack Lines, Tethers and Harnesses - From my days of sailing Ama Mama offshore, I have several tethers and harnesses. Ama Mama doesn't need jack lines. Instead there are several convenient places to clip on.

PLB - Ama Mama is too small to justify an EPIRB, but for Carmina's piece of mind, we will have an ARC ResQLink onboard - probably attached to my life jacket.

SPOT Tracker - Again, mainly for Carmina's piece of mind, we will have a Gen 3 SPOT tracker on board. I have had this for over a year now, and I have used it on my Texas coastal sails to Carmina's great satisfaction! Happy wife, happy life! You can track me too HERE!

 

Float Plan - Carmina as well as several other people will have my plan. In addition, assuming it is operable, my SPOT Tracker will let anyone that wants to know see my last reported position.

Sea Anchor - I was down at the Southwest International Boat Show last year, and the representative from Fiorentino Para Anchors had some small, 6' diameter parachutes on sale for $30. I don't think I'll need this, but I'll rig it up for the experience.

Radar Reflector - after looking at the options, I decided to go with a Tri-Lens Radar Reflector even though it is a little heavier than some of the alternatives. I mounted this for one of my offshore sails, and it worked fine as far as I could tell. I'll try to get some boats with radars to give me some feedback and report back.

LifeSling - These bad boys are required equipment in almost all offshore races, but there is just no need or room for one on Ama Mama. If I'm sailing solo, then it makes no sense. If I'm sailing with Alex, then we've been practicing MOB drills. The stern ladder will mounted if needed.