After 5 major passages and 2 ocean crossings we believe that we have this part figured out.

• One night before going aloft check all spreader and navigation lights.
• Go aloft and -
  • replace any bulbs that may be burned out
  • check main and mizzen masthead terminals for cracks, corrosion, loose or missing cotter or clevis pins
  • check the wind instrument to assure it is secure.
  • inspect all fittings on both main and mizzen masts from top to bottom including furler hardware, spreaders and fittings between spreaders and masts.
  • check spreader light fixtures to assure they are secure (we have had one come adrift in mid-ocean, not nice!
  • Clean and lubricate sail tracks on both masts

• Inspect engine looking for evidence of leaks; check alternator and cooling pump belts and tighten if necessary.
• Check engine oil and transmission fluid levels.
• Check fuel filter for evidence of water or dirt; drain if necessary.

• Check all deck-level rigging mechanical fittings for corrosion, cracks, or looseness.
• Check all turnbuckles for loose or missing cotter pins.
• Inspect and install jacklines
• Place cockpit cushions below.
• Clear deck of loose items.
• Tie down all items such as fenders, dinghy, fuel and water jerry cans, outboard motor and outboard fuel container
• Fill water tanks
• Fill fuel tanks
• Ensure that all halyards are clear and running freely
• Check for fairleads on all lines and ensure that all sheets run freely.
• Set up Monitor windvane, if using windvane.
• Make sure that no lines are in water before starting engine
• Tape closed anchor rode standpipe.
• Tie down the anchor or remove altogether (as we did when we crossed the Pacific)
• Put cover over anchor windlass
• Close lifeline gates.

• Check all sail slides
• Check all points of sails for chafe and wear

• Place all loose items in their home (see Storage section)
• Make up sea berth  (We typically use the port settee in the main saloon as our sea berth as it opens up into a double berth with one side against the captain's table drop-leaf and the other side against the hull.
• Ensure all lockers are secure
• Install speed instrument paddle
• Turn on Instruments, GPS and RADAR, if required
• Turn on autopilot (we want it on as a contingency even if we are going to use the windvane).
• Turn on VHF.
• Unlock the gimbaled stove.
• Get out proper charts and ship's log.
• Ensure that binoculars and flashlights are available

• Smear on sunscreen
• Put on hat
• Put on boat shoes - Because we have cleats and other obstructions on deck, we always wear lace-up boat shoes made especially to grip wet decks.
• Ensure necessary outerwear such as foul weather gear, jackets, sweaters, etc are available, if required.

• Inventory food stores
• Ensure that there is enough peanut butter onboard as this is a critical item for Bob!
• Make up an informal menu for all meals during the passage.  I usually plan simple,  easy to prepare meals for our passages, especially for the first few days out.  We find that we have lighter appetites when underway because we usually are not very active.  Below is a sample of how we eat when on passages.

  Breakfast - cereal, toast or pancakes
  Lunch      - Sandwiches, quesadillas or soup
  Dinner     - Macaroni/cheese, stew, chili or pre-prepared rice/pasta package meals or fresh fish, if we manage to catch one.
  Snacks    - such as fruit or miniature candy bars for night watches

• Purchase and stow non perishable items.
• Document food items, quantity and storage locations.  I usually hand-write where items are stored and the quantity and enter that information into a database I have created.  I then print out an updated food stores inventory report to which I refer in order to easily locate items while underway

• Shop for and stow perishable items
• Organize galley lockers with food items to be used on the passage to minimize looking for ingredients all over the boat.
• Eat dinner ONBOARD to avoid possible food poisoning on our first day at sea or an adverse reaction to a food item or water.