Somebody asked me recently whether we've had any good discussion on preparing for (that is planning) a trip or even a day sail. What to look out for, where to get information and what to take into account. All those good things. I thought we might collectively compare some notes here, without any claims of perfection or completeness.
The types of trips people do on DaySailers are too different, as are local conditions, for a single set of "best" answers. So, why don't we pool our various expertise a bit and share our personal answers to these questions.
What do you typically do in preparation?
What sources of information do you consult?
Are there local conditions that require extra or specific preparation?
What do you bring? What do you ask crew to bring?
How does that depend on the type of trip?
How do you select where to go?
How to you decide when to go/not to go out?
How do you prepare your boat (for an extended trip)?
How do you prepare your trailer (for a distant location)?
And many more questions like this.
If you have a question along those lines, feel free to ask it. Particularly if it "sounds stupid" (questions never are). Or, if you have a system that works for you, or if you have suggestions how you prepare for different types of trips (whether minimally for a day sail, or more extensively for a cruise), please feel free to share.
While attending a race may be different than an ordinary day sail, I'm sure there are overlaps in the planning and preparation. Let's be inclusive.