By Jeff on 5/13/2009 5:22 AM

In addition to my trusty headlamp, a piece of gear I’m hard pressed to do any sailing without is my water tight Otter Box. What in the world is an Otter Box, you ask? Well, they’re small, waterproof, crushproof, and watertight gear containers that actually float too. They come in a wide range of colors and sizes and are ideal for protecting valuable electronics or other stuff in a marine environment. I particularly like the clear covered boxes; they make it very easy to quickly spot what you’re looking for.

Why get an Otter Box and what should you use them for on your next bareboat charter? For starters, saltwater environments are absolutely brutal for electronics and particularly those designed for the relatively dry climates where most people live. I’ve seen some electronics, when exposed to two weeks of sailing in warm, humid environments, get completely corroded.

• iPods/portable media players: with small hard drives, these things – while remarkably durable – still get a little finicky in hot and humid environments. They’re also prone to getting crushed in duffels. So, the Otter Box protects them nicely.
• Digital cameras and memory cards: just as with media players, it’s critical to keep these delicate electronic devices safe. Where the box comes in handy for some of these is when you jump in the dinghy for a day trip. You throw a small bag or backpack with your camera in the dinghy and head out. Next thing you know, the breeze picks up and you get a bunch of water splashing over the bow and accumulating in the bottom of of the dinghy. Camera and backpack? Not so dry. Same goes for beach landings or departures in any kind of swell. Keeping your camera in one of these boxes is cheap protection and insurance.
• First aid/medication: I’ve heard of some folks that throw bandaids, antibiotic ointment to deal with coral abrasions, and other first aid gear into an Otter Box too. This keeps safety items sealed and organized in the event any of those items are needed. The last thing you want to face when trying to grab a bandage for a sliced finger is a package that somehow get soaked or is at least damp with weakened adhesion.
• Dry foods like spices, etc.: for those culinary artists (i.e. designated charter cook!) that like to pack their own spices, rubs, and other ingredients, it can be nice to pack them in an airtight container that doesn’t leak smells or spills into clothing in the same duffel bag. Otter Boxes work great for this too.

Here’s a tip: for certain electronics, I also throw in a couple of those desiccant packages you get with certain electronics items that will absorb a certain level of moisture. This helps ensure that if you lock in some moisture or humid air (as in the tropics), it will be absorbed quickly to keep items as dry as possible.

Starting around $15US (amazon.com), these tough little items can be handy, smart protection that keeps your gear organized and safe from the marine environment wherever your bareboat charter takes you.

By Jeff on 4/22/2009 2:56 PM

As I’ve mentioned before, a bareboat charter is usually the type of adventure most people want to capture completely, be it in pictures AND video. With today’s digital cameras, it’s pretty easy to find (if you don’t already have one) a compact camera that takes fantastic pictures.

Video, however, can be an entirely different issue. Between today’s latest HD camcorders (which are surprisingly cheap and shoot remarkable video) and SLRs like Canon’s 5D that shoots amazing HD-video in addition to pro-quality SLR photos, what’s a consumer to do? Between the features and wide range of prices, it’s a bit daunting. Further, don’t kid yourself – that cellphone of yours doesn’t take very good video – certainly not the level of quality you will want to share with friends for years to come.

One interesting option is a Flip Ultra Series Camcorder ($113 @ Amazon). I have a Flip and have found it to be a great option because of it’s combination of small size, low relative cost, and extreme ease of use. Further, they have a ton of accessories available and one that’s sure to make sense for your next charter is their “Underwater Case for Flip Ultra”.

For about $30 at Amazon (List price $49.99), you can add a Flip Video Underwater Case for Flip Ultra Camcorders that both allows you to shoot video down to 30 feet under and also protect the camera from salt-spray (or beer spray?) during your trip.

The only drawback I can see is that it only works with the Flip Ultra. I wish they offered a case for the Flip Mino (which I have) or the Mino HD. The Mino is just a wee bit more svelte than the Ultra. However, the Ultra can also run on standard batteries whereas the Mino requires AC-charging via a USB port or optional charger.

It’s worth noting that there are some reviews out there that suggest the underwater case leaks. So, it’s best to test it first before completely committing (i.e. before doing any freediving). Given my experience with camera enclosures, you do get what you pay for. A little time spent tweaking the enclosure, carefully closing the case while watching to make sure the gasket isn’t pinched, and possibly putting some silicone grease on the edges to create a truly water tight seal probably makes sense.

Here’s a sample video created with the Ultra and Underwater case. And, if you’ve had any experience with this add-on, post your comments and experiences below.

By Jeff on 2/11/2009 10:46 PM

I’ll admit it; like many sailors, I'm a bit of a gear nut. Sailing, and of course chartering, provides ample opportunity to buy more gear. However, chartering provides some different types of gear to add to your list and I'm going to begin featuring each Wednesday. Why Wednesday? Well, it's just enough time to still buy something online, have it shipped next day air, and get it before the weekend (and either some local sailing or hopefully a charter).

I'm not someone that's into gear for gear-sake. But, some types of gear - sometimes even the simple things - can really make the difference between a sailing trip and a blissful, safe, and fun bareboat charter adventure.

So, the the gear I'll be featuring fits some specific criteria: it must be travel-friendly (light and packable), it must offer utility that makes the charter experience better, and it must have some durable, after-charter usefulness whether it be for sailing, other types of travel, or even just around the house.

To kick things off, here’s the first featured piece of gear:

The Joby Gorillapod Flexible Tripod

Why it’s cool?

On a boat, there are rarely any flat, sticky, reliable spots to mount something temporarily. And, since you’re on a wonderful vacation, you’ll probably want to take pictures.

The Gorillapod is light, flexible, and has this incredible adaptable way of clinging to things with a combination of sticky rubber rings attached to legs that can really clamp down tightly. So, place your digital camera or small camcorder on a the compass binnacle and get that family shot. Attach something to the bimini frame tubes. Or, simply use it while touring on shore as a very useful portable tripod.

There’s also a bonus model that features a slick suction cup base too!

Don’t leave home without it!

By Jeff on 11/5/2008 3:22 PM

A few years back, my father-in-law bought me a headlamp. I first thought, "hmm... cool. Not sure what I will use it for but cool. And, I might look funny wearing it." These days, after having it around, it has become indispensable. It's one of those pieces of gear that I always know where to find when I need it most. While doing some work outside in the dark a few nights ago (trusty headlamp deployed), I was reminded how useful it really was. And, the majority of my memories of it saving the day are directly related to sailing AND applicable to chartering.

Think about it; they are light, incredibly small, are relatively cheap, usually come resistant to the elements, and enable you to work in limited light situations with two hands instead of having to rig up some stand for a flashlight (or rely on someone to hold one while shaking or drifting off the subject you're working on).

Here are 7 examples of how I've used my headlamp or how it can come in handy during your next charter:

1. Backup flashlight - on a bareboat charter, chances are you'll find weak or dead batteries in the single flashlight onboard. You won't want to pack an extra flashlight to travel lean. A headlamp - probably about 2 ounces and no bigger than half your fist is a great backup when you need it.
2. Cleaning out a plugged sump pump - On a charter in the San Juan Islands, I got the pleasure of clearing years of hair out of a sump pump reservoir/drain grate in the forward head. No one wanted to be near and I needed both hands while trying to figure out what the heck was going on. Saved by the headlamp.
3. Dealing with a dragging anchor at 2am - when you're in a new cruising area, different boat, different anchor, usually very little anchor chain with lots of rode, and maybe someplace that blows 24 hrs a day (like the Grenadines), you're going to drag anchor. It's that simple (especially if you don't dive on the anchor to check it out before you retire for cocktails). Walking around on deck in the middle of the night trying to run the windlass or at the helm trying to see other boats in the anchorage before you hit them, having the ability to look at something and have it automatically illuminated is very nice.
4. Picking up a mooring after dark - sure - you're not supposed to be sailing your chartered boat after dark. But, it happens. Unexpected weather. A longer than anticipated lunch stay because the beach was so great. Next thing you know, someone is trying to wrangle a corroded, growth-encrusted mooring loop in the dark. Enter the headlamp. (be sure to tie a tether to the headstrap though so that it doesn't fall off when you pull your head back through the lifelines!)
5. Reading a book in the cockpit at night - simple but important. For some of us, this is just about the only time we get to actually read a book. Even though many charter companies provide funky, little, half-coconut shell cockpit lights, they don't work half the time. You usually want to sit outside, even after dark, to enjoy warm temperatures and read. So whip out your headlamp and you're set. Ignore the comments from the crew.
6. Finding your dinghy at the dinghy dock after a late night at the bar - this is really one of you potential worst nightmares. You've been enjoying a great evening... A jump-up at Basil's or Bombashack... just pick any of the usual places. It comes time to leave, you head down to the dinghy dock, and there are 39 dinghies that look just like your charter boat dinghy! What? A very cruel test - usually while somewhat "impaired". While I can't guarantee that a headlamp will make your vision and senses clear, it can make it easier to spot some unique identifier you've thoughtfully placed in or on your dinghy ahead of time. Note: place that identifier first.
7. A makeshift steaming light - if you've spent much time in the Caribbean, you know that popular anchorages can be treacherous at night. Locals careening through the anchorage at dark. Fellow charterers that successfully navigated #6 above only to now face finding their boat while in a hurry. Whatever the case, this is a useful tip that I've heard others say has come close to saving their lives; wear the headlamp while you navigate through the anchorage back to your boat. Some headlamps even offer a strobe/flashing option. That's even better. But, it's all about making yourself visible and keeping two hands to use as needed.

I'm sure there are more examples but these are the most obvious that come to mind from my experiences and those of others I trust. But, don't forget to buy and pack a headlamp - it's crucial gear for your next charter.