Our 12 “MUST-HAVES” for ocean sailing 

So what are YOUR must-haves for ocean sailing? Shoot!

Great episode, in addition to your list, I’m sure you and others have many spares, especially a spare alternator, and hose clamps. You didn’t mention, and no commenters mentioned a small Honda Generator... The 1000 watt Honda costs about USD$800., hey ! That’s the price of one LiFe PO4 battery. They are are incredibly reliable, small, handy and burn 2 litres of gasoline in 7 hours, at 300 watt load. It can run your shore power 12v battery charger, and run almost any power tool. Moreover it’s very handy if you can’t get shore power in a different port, or at anchor. There is a lot of hype about solar panels, wind generators, Watt and Sea devices, Lithium batteries, high amperage Alternators, etc, but a small AC generator just can’t be beat. Lastly if you should happen to drain down all your batteries, ( no cruiser I know would ever do that!) then you can’t start your main Diesel engine , that’s a very serious problem. But you can always use the Honda to power up the main batteries and start your diesel... Gotta Lov it!

OK, a quick list. No particular order. A seaworthy boat, appropriate sized life raft, some method of getting weather info, tools, sail repair kit, spare line, lots of food, lots of snacks, medical kit, watermaker or water capture system, e-reader, and comfy cushions for the cockpit. Cheers

You both look so happy

Seventeen days of Sophie charm works. Thanks for the interesting insight of your journey.

My own must haves include traditional old style Nav gear, like sextant, mechanical log, sighting compass and lead line. Also a length of rigging wire, wire clamps and at least one short length with an eye splice in it, (I was very thankful for this on an Atlantic crossing when I heard what sounded to me a loud bang 2/3 the way across, leading to the discovery that the port hand main shroud strands were snapping at the deck level). Nice to see you back aboard Polar Seal BTW.

Will you give us a breakdown at some point of exactly everything in your medical kit? 🙏🏻 I know you kind of skimmed over it. But was looking for more in-depth. Thanks.❤️❤️❤️

Ur making croissants on passage? Wow, you ROCK! Interesting list. Agree with Ryan’s doubts about the earplugs, I would find that a little scary, too. Definitely not an option for solo sailing. Good point about the shore support, I don’t think many people think about that. Lots of people have it for weather but as u mentioned, also for fixing stuff it’s great support or simply just tracking you so it makes search and rescue a little easier. It’s worth soooo much! Thanks again for helping with my new Dakota Lithium Batteries. I am getting my cables on Friday and cannot wait for Karl to light up ⛵️👍

Sophie is always the cutest. 👏🏻☀️😊

Decided with my girlfriend that we would postpone our trip down the coast of California from SF for a year because when we started laying out the passage, we found that we were lacking peace of mind. Once we let ourselves reset that timeline, we felt a weight off of our shoulders and new enthusiasm for getting done what we needed to in order to gain that peace of mind. Thanks for discussing this: it’s extremely important!

One thing I wouldn't leave port without is a toolbox (mechanic's toolset for sure and some carpentry tools as well) and some cordless power tools. Not only are you prepared for boat repairs at sea but some tools like a breaker bar or torque wrench can be a lifesaver in cases of piracy or other hostile forces at sea. Cheers.

Great to see you guys back on the boat looking forward to watching you guys again this year.

You gave some great ideas. Thank you so much for the thought you put into this.

Great to see you both back on the boat. Follow the dream guys.

One of the more useful videos I have seen in awhile.

That was really good, and every one of your items I endorse. I have to watch this again and take notes.

So looking forward to cruising life but safety gear and an iridium go are at the top of the lists. Great videos !

So glad you were able to get back to your boat/home..you both seem so much lighter. Happy days.

Happy new year Ryan and Sophie. So glad you guys are back on Polar Seal. Your videos are always informative and entertaining. Keep up the great work.

Wholehearted agree with your number one choice. Very good and educational video.

I’m super excited to see how Polar Seal faired while you were away, and watching you two do what you love. Ryan, it seems you’re enjoying the vlogging aspect more, which makes it fun for us to watch and live vicariously through you both. Stay safe and have FUN!

Never thought of that cushion thing, good tip!

After being stranded for a while giving me tons of time I’ve been enjoying tons of sailing videos and my retirement plan may shift to sailing. I loved this video, because it’s very instructive. Just subscribed and I’m sure it will be a helpful subscription. Keep the good work!!!!

We are planning to set sail next year and i have learned so much from you guys..love the channel and all the info you guys give..thanks..see you guys out there someday ⛵ 🌞 🌴

Love PredictWind. They have amazing local wind projections in SF Bay. In local races sometimes we pick a side of the course to sail on based on their projections. Incredible details that are correct very often.

Really good video. Thank you.

Great video. I love the idea of Peace of Mind.

Thanks for the tips. I liked the galley cook book idea. I’ll be adding one for our galley on Blue Bonnet.

Hey Ryan, you don't need entertainment, you've got Sophie

Kudos to Predict Wind!

so glad to see you back in your element ... i was scribbling the message thinking that the most important is the peace of mind ..... hmmmmm .... what a coincidence!

This video was interesting and informative! Thanks!

Great video... thanks for putting it up!

I have a small first aid kit but you have made me think about what I need. I will be increasing it this year. I always sail with my Garmin inReach

Great to see you guys! I agree that off watch entertainment is critical, so, I would load up a hard drive with movies and a iPod with music for passage must haves. Additionally, having your favorite treats..chocolate, candy, etc. along is important . I remember crossing the Atlantic on a school ship and the first thing I wanted was a cheeseburger and chocolate chip cookies. Fortunately, we arrived at a US Navy base Rota that had both!

..... Wow ... the difference in the both of you is tremendous .... thinking back to when you were leaving the boat, Yikes!, a few of the videos that I watched when you were in Sweden ..... how does one put it best .. you have life back in your step .. you are living again .... congrats on finding what it took for you to be living life again ... as always .. never stop dreaming, just dream bigger .. have fun be safe, save our oceans ....

Thanks guys, such a useful topic 💙

Wow Sailor great episode ❤

I will never go sailing, alas, but this was a fun video! I think that Ryan is like a new man; much more relaxed, coming across so much more confident. Sophie, as usual, calm and funny and SO French. Love you guys!

Happy to see you back on Polarseal. very usefull information as usual!!👍

Your beautiful, Sophie.. love your energy. 🤙

One more vote for the list - medical kit. Thank you for sharing guys!

Useful and fun

Thanks very much

nice to see your back home , sadly i dont instagram. lookijng forward to move vids

Thanks for sharing

Get a Synology NAS and put a PLEX server on it. Then load tons of movies, pod casts, and music....

Great video as always...

Really good video about critical items on your crossing. The medical kit is a must have and would love to see a list of what you have in it. Also, as a military space planner I am really looking forward to seeing and hearing your SATCOM video next time!!! Glad you both are back on Polar Seal!!

Great video, I like your perspective on why you need your the things you do. Thank you,..Skipper Andy

Enjoyed the video. Yes we realised this year we need to seriously upgrade our first aid kit. If we planned on crossing the Atlantic... Iridium go sounds fantastic. in these weird unprecedented times we just hope we are able to get back to our boat in Greece. The thing I couldn't even conceive crossing without is my husband lol xxxx

great video

Thanks for the list. Just bought the cookbook. Hope yours comes out soon. I added my instagram and have fingers crossed since I plan to cross from USA to Ireland this summer (COVID allowing). A life raft/dinghy with ditch bag is on the top of my list. Just in case. Loved the recommendation to get a doctor to prescribe a kit. Great idea.

SOM jag har saknat er! Ni är så jävla roliga!

If by bad luck they suffer another burn, an infallible remedy is to soak a cloth or gauze with either white or wine vinegar and place it on the burn, it immediately relieves the pain and is a very effective antiseptic avoiding any infection ... a remedy to all try

Take a Basic Medic First Aid Course. or get at least get the US Navy Corpsman Manual. also an AED and learn to used and a, wound stapler.basic tools to get you out dodge while you get MED EVAC.

Nice program.

CB radio. 12 volt chest freezer always run on ECO mode, lotsa limes, AM shortwave ADF

I don't have my boat yet 😭 Glad to see another video! Medical care is something that's been on my mind, so I've been formalizing my herbal knowledge in preparation

Happy , healthy New Year you 2 ;-) been waiting for this video for a while now

Good info. !

Was definitely a ufo. A space sailboat to be specific. 🥰

I'm a bit late to this but, if you guys haven't found them already there are acoustic filters. They work similar to earplugs but instead of plugging and blocking sound they lower the volume of sound. That way you can still hear things but its just softer and easier to sleep to

Fun video and great comments! Must have artificial grass for our dog!

I wouldn't cross without Sophie!

I’ll take iradium go for my first sailboat

Sweet!

Solid checklist guys! Hot water bottles have become clutch for us in colder weather, even in California. Great in your bunk off watch, or in your jacket on deck.

Love this list of must have items! I think I would add a meal plan (yes, I’m a bit OCD), but it would help with provisioning. I’m also going to say ice...we can pretend it’s in case of an injury, but a southern girl needs her iced tea. Item #3 would be a journal...gotta keep track of all splendor, joy, laughs and (the enviable) list of stuff that breaks. Enjoy the sunshine and salt breeze for those of us missing our boats. #symairmade

I watched one of your videos last night about things you regret concerning being a live-aboard couple. It was selling your home. Exactly. It's something that I've definitely been thinking about. As it stands my house here in northern Ca. increases in value month after month. Once I sell it, I will no longer enjoy that. I will have sold an asset that increases in value and purchased something that will depreciate month after month. You mentioned, you now don't feel like you could even purchase the same home because it has increased in value so much. It's difficult. I really don't want to rent my house out. This is tough. I did appreciate you sharing that thought because I, and likely many others feel the same way. It's a huge decision to be sure.

It’s a warm night here in Australia so I’m having a bit of trouble sleeping so I went to my lounge room to watch a few vids. Was thinking to myself that I hadn’t seen a Ryan n Sophie vid for a while. ... now this is the part that snapped my brain, thanks to the You Tube algorithm, you all guessed it, right there in the top corner, a Ryan and Sophie thumbnail 🙀🙀🤔🤪. I know I’m not alone here in being absolutely perplexed on how that happens🤔😳🤪, anyway, enough of that..so on with the video..haaaayy😄👍 Edit..yep I am subscribed so I’ve added the bell, so let’s see if I get notifications a bit sooner 😆👍

Hi, on your fourth point (shore support), it would be good for us that you speak about the different ways you can contact your support... by radio?, by mail?... great video

Excellent episode. I'm seconding all the requests for a video on your medical kit. It might save a life!

I think point 5 should include DW40, duct tape for something you don't want to move, WD40 for something that isn't moving and needs to :)

I like that list I always say Can’t have enough music

For your first aid kit, 2 things that are a must. Those are Burnshield for burns (incredible and as a paramedic I have seen it work in real life in really bad cases). The other is Super Glue. It is chemically sterile and with a really bad cut it works just as well as the real thing "Stichs".

I have never been in a place where USD was not happily accepted 😂. I also always keep a scrap gold wedding band on my keyrings. It makes for a quick way to get cash anywhere in the world that is portable and inconspicuous.

Very insightful list guys, thank you for sharing!!! I have been following the Vendee Globe and watching what those sailors are dealing with things that just break. I agree that Dyneema and duct tape will take care of many issues, but what do you have on board for the big stuff like tearing a sail, breaking a rudder or keel, or hit something that puts a hole in your boat? Thanks, I have been following your adventures since the beginning, and thoroughly enjoy your story telling :)

Lots of flour to make fresh bread. Oh... and the Admiral of course! Wouldn't want to do a crossing without her.... for peace of mind 😉

Spare glasses! X at least two, plus prescription swimming goggles for rain & spray, and clip-ons or sunglasses. Also, plastic urinal for bad weather

5:25 to 5:35 was some genuine footage.

Great video guys. Do ysll have a C-Collar and splints in your med kit. Everyone should.

I have to agree to that iridium go is a great tool and security for any offshore cruise. And I think you did something clever with the Instagram and all the ### because I hope someone that wins it, needs it. I had made post a picture of the install as well 😅 Fair winds,,,, /),,,,,

Nice to see both of you again, was wondering how you were getting on. Saw Ryan in another Vlog, Zingaro? Or something like that.

One of the facebook pages for a cruiser, they used to post the free books available for kindle, however it has not popped up in a while, but if you download 50 or 70 free kindle books hopefully a couple of them will be worth reading :)

Looking forward to your book. I hope it is with a lot of butter and cheese! Zé French cuisine! 👌

Really god video. Terrific information. I do Kindle books and magazines on an iPad. The Kindle, gray on grayish white, low res.... Don't like it. iPad brilliant color, but a bit heavy. Also Audible Books. (It took just a couple of weeks getting used to listening to a book. I've probably listened to more than 4000 by now. (Started with cassettes....ask your grandparents) Earplugs? how about Apple EarBud Pros with noise cancellation. Works great. (ear plugs, headphone noise protection don't really block noise they just reduce it. How ever noise cancellation will block the sound of the wind, motor, an approaching motor .... anything regular.) Skip the eye masks. I used to get migraines and one little bit of light was like an ice pick. I never found any eye mask that worked. However, for over 20 years now: a black t-shirt. Use them every night, use them on buses, at the airport, on a plane. No one cares, they work 100%. U.S. Naval pilots are taught a method for falling asleep under any circumstance. Starting with your toes, relax them -even if all you do is think 'okay toes, relax.' then your ankles, just keep moving up. It's not always worked for me but it's very calming. (It's also basically meditation). I also find listening to an audiobook that I've listened to before, sound a bit lower so you miss things. I think both of these methods relax your mind. To figure out a star like the one you mentioned. E-mail a nerd, we have many ways of looking it up, and I'm surprised how often I can see one star in the sky and guess which one it is. Approximate time, direction, where in the sky... A star wheel is great (but be warned even though the outside is plastic the disk is always cardboard and can get wet.) The best app I've found is Star Walk. Cushions. Memory foam. 4" of memory foam is bliss. Also cheap 1/2" yoga mats from Amazon. I've got my kayak seats, hull, foot brace padded out with 1/4" yoga mats (feet) 1/2" seat, sometimes rolled up. I backpack /hike with a 80cm x 80 cm 1/2' piece. The ground is never cold, hard, or damp. even snow. Shore support. brilliant idea. Thanks. I need to work on this. Thanks for the reminder. running out of bandages. yep. For me paper towels and duct tape. I've never gotten an infection from using paper towels. The doctor tip is good. I've asked my GP about some medications and he just told me to get lost( no not painkillers), antibiotics for travel from him? no problem. A cruising aware doc would understand everything. Can you use Iridium Go with a Bluetooth keyboard? That really speeds up communication. And comms are just terrific. I plan to be blue water within two years. By then Space X StarLink should be providing fast internet worldwide (maybe not the high arctic). Predict Wind is brilliant. Weather forecasting is such that no one really needs to ever be in a hurricane. GPS makes navigation easier, safer. It's really becoming a sailor's world. Thanks for this video.

My wife say CHOCOLATE! Also, lots of chocolate.

Question -- How would you use/deploy/install your dyneema line in the event of a stay failure? Would you need to go aloft? Love your channel. Thanks for sharing.

Sai I don’t have a sailboat and no sailing plans for 2021 😩so cannot enter. Like the video though, good luck to the winner, that is a. Amazing prize.

Regarding Ryan's concern about sleeping through an emergency. Why not rig an interior VERY LOUD emergency horn that can be activated from the cockpit? LOVE your videos and the obvious chemistry between you two!!

Thanks for the video! Is it possible anyhow to see your first aid doc with all items in there? That would be very helpful)

Tony & Susan here, thx

Great video.... Where is Butter ranked on your list of must haves? :-) It's good to have you back and Safe travels!

Added to Instagram !

I am to uh... "special" to figure out the giveaway.. so sent the video to my wife to put in for it 🤣🤣 be safe, take care.

And there was me thinking fuel filters would be on the list.

Should reasonable sails be on your list? Ability/comfort to use mainsail? Or were you guys happy with the double headsail thing?

I know you guys have a lot of boat work stuff coming up.. and I also know with the way things have been with Covid it's probably not the best time.. but I am kind of curious as to what you think of Curacao ? .. I was actually thinking that if things got better soon, I might consider it for a vacation.. hoping for May, but we will have to see how things progress.

There is ear plugs that let a little sound in. Its for audiophiles. Rock concerts and such.