It doesn’t matter if you’re an amateur or a professional sailor, a fresh-faced newbie or a weathered veteran, there is always that one item you would never be without on the high seas.
We’ve been asking you to tell us on social media what you should always take with you on a voyage and after looking through all of your suggestions, we’ve put together the ultimate sailor’s survival kit
From the practical, such as gloves and sunglasses, to the luxurious — like spiced rum or a hammock — or as double Olympic silver medalist Ian Walker points out, a good crew, we hope we have all bases covered.
Briton Hannah White, who is behind “Project Speedbird” — which aims to break the record for the quickest time over a nautical mile — says a hot brew is vital while at sea.
“There is one thing that I could not take to the seas without .. Tea bags and my thermal mug!!!! Totally essential!”
How very British.
Warmth was also on the mind of influential Instagramer @sailing_problems.
“I need my gloves for a number of reasons,” she says. “In a practical sense, they protect my hands from the elements and keep my hands fairly warm.
“More than that, though, they’re like a companion. They accompany me nearly every time I sail, and they’re a bit like a good luck charm. All of my best sailing memories happened while I was wearing my gloves; they may be beat up and a little smelly, but I love them!”
Keeping with the theme of keeping out the cold, double Olympic gold medalist and host of CNN’s Mainsail show Shirley Robertson says she couldn’t go without her Musto clothing to keep her warm.
Rob Ralston — known as @bobsledcyc — thinks of his stomach when he is preparing to weigh anchor.
“Rum, and food and drink in general, is essential on board,” he says. “Whether it comes to making new connections with you fellow crew, a thank you gift for the helping hand, pass the time while becalmed or to soothe the pains of distance sailing in heavy breeze. Nearly as essential as wind itself.”
Instagram user @robinchristol plumped for his multi-purpose knife.
“It’s an extremely helpful tool,” he explained. “And essential for security to cut ropes in case of problems. It saved me when I was crossing the Atlantic and had to cut a rope which was in the sail.”
Have we missed something vital? Share your tips and tricks for essential items to set sail with using the hashtag #CNNMainsail on Twitter or Instagram!
