Whilst passagemaking in company enhances safety, we consider it vital that participant craft are fully equipped for all eventualities. Other interested parties, including your insurance company, would agree.

We have drawn up the following list of compulsory equipment, based on the Royal Yachting Association's C8/86 booklet 'Cruising Yacht Safety'. Boats will be checked at pre-event briefings, and we reserve the right to exclude any which are found not to comply.

If you feel your craft deserves exemption on any point, check with us before booking.

Anchors.Two, with a length of warp and chain, or chain only, suitable for the cruising area, with a diameter and weight appropriate to the size of the boat. Anchor fittings to include a fairlead at the stem, capable of being closed over the anchor warp or chain and a strong point on the foredeck: either a mooring cleat, samson post or anchor winch, securely fitted to the structure of the hull.

Bilge pumping/bailing. A minimum of one electric and one manual bilge pumps, discharging overboard, or two electric pumps, all capable of operation with all hatches closed. Two buckets of not less than 1.5gal (9lt) and not more than 3gal (15lt) capacity, fitted with a lanyard and a strongly secured handle.

Detection equipment. Radar reflector. Fixed navigation lights and sound signalling apparatus which comply with the International Regulations For Preventing Collisions At Sea. Powerful waterproof torch.

Pyrotechnics. Coastal flare pack for coastal events. Offshore flare pack for cross-Channel passages. All flares should be in date and for cruises that visit, France, no out of date flares should be carried as spares. (see important information)

Firefighting equipment. One fire blanket to BS6575. Two multi-purpose extinguishers to BS5423. A fixed automatic or semi-automatic firefighting system in the engineroom.

Personal safety. Warm clothing, protection against wet weather and a lifejacket for each member of the crew.

Liferaft. Liferaft of sufficient capacity to carry everyone on board, or an inflatable dinghy carried inflated.

Man-overboard recovery. One horseshoe lifebelt fitted with a self-igniting light. A buoyant heaving line, at least 100ft (30m) long. A boarding ladder.

Radio. A marine-band VHF radio audible at the main helm. An LW or other receiver for forecasts.

Navigational equipment. Up-to-date charts of the intended cruising ground and adjacent areas, together with tide tables and other navigational publications. A means of accurately fixing a position at all times (eg GPS receiver or chartplotter). Steering compass. Hand bearing compass.

First-aid. Comprehensive first-aid kit.

Tools & spares. Toolkit suitable for general, engine and electrical repairs. Spares as appropriate for your engine(s) and electrics, including oil, two fuel filters per engine, at least two water separation and oil filters, belts, hoses, impellers, plugs and fuses.

General. Towing warp if no anchor warp is carried. Long warps and suitable fenders for rafting if necessary.