Yacht Handover Checklist

The yacht handover will usually take about an hour and is important so you are familiar with the vessel before putting to sea. At least two of you should be shown the following:

• The location and safe operation of all the safety equipment including:
  
  
  • liferaft
    
  • fire extinguisher
    
  • lifejackets
    
  • safety harnesses
    
  • flares
    
  • torches
    
  • EPIRB
    
  • Handheld VHF
    
  • first aid kit
    
  • bolt cutters
    
  • emergency tiller
  
  
• Operating the following systems:
  
  
  • Cooker
    
  • Heating system
    
  • Heads
    
  • Engine
    
  • VHF
    
  • Anchors
  
  
• Location and operation of other items:
  
  
  • Seacocks and emergency bungs
    
  • All the instruments, including the GPS
    
  • Charts and pilot books
    
  • All the halyards, winches, reefing lines and other sail controls

The charter company would prefer you to feel 100% confident before you take their boat out so don't be afraid to ask questions if there is anything you are not sure of or want to know more about. I always ask about the cruising area if I am not familiar with it. The charterer usually has loads of local knowledge and is delighted to share it. It can also be a good idea to ask about sail plans for different wind speeds and directions if you have not sailed that model of yacht before.