Flash Poll: Sustenance Under Sail
There have been a few times—usually in wild or sporting weather—where I’ve been more or less trapped at the helm. Sure, theoretically I could stop and let the boat care for herself, but not all of the smaller boats I’ve sailed have been happy heaving-to, and often I’m sailing too close to land or other solid objects to drop sail, anchor, or to let the boat drift.
I remember once trying to make a destination harbor, in fading light, as a wicked afternoon breeze contiued to build, with waves breaking along the nearby shore—not ideal conditions for fetching a snack or making hot water. Of course if I’d had crew aboard then getting to food and drink would have been much easier, but as a singlehander I was laser focused on getting to port. The idea of lashing the helm and crawling forward was out of the question.
I try to keep some snacks and beverages close at hand, but occasionally get caught without. Of course there are lots of other things you might want either on your person or close at hand in that same situation—radio, phone, GPS, hat and glasses, jacket, etc.
What about your strategies? Do you keep food and drink always available in the cockpit or nearby? Do any of your employ Camelbacks or hydration located on your person? Does anyone use or carry an electrolyte chew or prepackaged energy source? Do you prepare a warm thermos before cool weather outings? What else do you make sure is always at hand? Let us know below. •SCA•
Always have a thermos of something hot nearby and a couple of energy bars in a pfd pocket. The trick is having energy bars you don’t really like so you don’t eat them except when absolutely necessary.
I tend to treat calories as safety equipment. In addition to always bringing food and drink for crew, I keep a water-proof emergency box with ginger candy, and the candy-bar type energy bars clipped in at helm. It has helped my cold wet wife, my diabetic father, and staved off confusion and bad decision making. The box also contains Mylar emergency blankets. Have a snack, get your vessel into port and secure, then a good meal with a beer. I differ on how good the energy bars should be. Keep them stocked, and good enough so that no-one who needs it refuses. Have something better to enjoy and finish off the emergency bars at the end of the season!