Personal Equipment Checklist for the Offshore Crew

  
(A big list - don't try to bring everything!)
 
harness (practice putting it on in the dark)                             
harness tether with shackles at both ends (quick-release at your end)
personal strobe light (get a good one)
whistle attached to strobe light (remember to hold it upside-down 
			    if you have to use it while you're 
			    in the water)
life jacket
small red flashlight 
small white flashlight (should use same battery type)
another flashlight (there's never enough)
disposable flashlight on seabag zipper pull
knife with shackle key
       
very warm sleeping bag (not a down bag!)
thin flannel sleeping sheet (very important for hot weather 
		         and/or poorly ventilated boats - 
		         and all boats are poorly ventilated) 
oversize stuff sack (why fight with the tiny one 
		 that came with the bag?)
       
foulies that don't leak
polypro long johns ("expedition weight")                  
sea boots
sailing gloves
knee pads
ski gloves (or other cold-weather gloves)
nylon shell hat with fuzzy liner, ear flaps, and chin strap
wool watch cap
polypro or wool socks
lightweight waterproof "whitewater" style shell    
surf shoes
polyester pile or polypro jump suit
flotation jacket (install inflation cylinder if required)     
sweater or flannel shirt
shorts
sun visor
lucky racing hat
at least one for each day of race: 
	shirts                      
	underwear                   
	socks                       
towel
heavy plastic bag for laundry
 
wristwatch (self-illuminating)
small travel alarm clock
spare batteries for flashlights and shaver 
ear plugs (or airport-style ear protectors)
music tapes
personal tape player and headphones
can of electrical contact cleaner/degreaser (to "fix" failed 
     electronic equipment) 
      
shaving/medicine kit 
	toothbrush (self-stowing camping style)
	toothpaste 
	deodorant                
	shaver
	sun block
	condoms/diaphram (no, silly! this is for post-race party)  
	medications/drugs (as required)
	vitamins
	acupressure bands (if they work for you)
	motion sickness drugs (or ginger capsules)
	supplements to boat's first aid kit (aspirin, box of 
	     band-aids)
sunglasses (two pair)                          
camera (one that can get trashed)
	film
	lens cleaner and lens tissues
mask & snorkel (compact type)
 
wallet
keys
checkbook
address book
airline tickets
traveler's checks
cash                                 
 
foreign language dictionary
reading material (small and light - you probably won't have a   
	        chance to look at it anyway) 
writing material (you definitely won't have time or energy for this)
harmonica or other compact musical instrument