Continuing preparation of "Every Day" we focus on safety. Starting with the belief that the boat could sail out of the harbor today and do just fine, we are focusing on making critical systems (sea anchors, water makers and the like) more accessible and as dependable as possible and this month we'd like to discuss our decisions on safety.

No one can ever have enough safety training. When you need to use the safety equipment, it's at the worst time, worst conditions and often your in the worst frame of mind. It's not just a race requirement but should be a requirement for all sailors to know how to use and test out all safety equipment.

After seeing Lin and Larry Pardey speak about storm tactics at Strictly Sail, we were convinced that our secondary anchor rode should be changed from all chain to a rope rode with a small length of chain. If we need to "hove" too due to extremely heavy weather or just wanting to some rest and a hot meal, we will have the sea anchor set up on the secondary anchor rode (no chain but with a swivel) at all times while off shore. By the way, we recommend that everyone, cruiser and racer alike should go to their session next year.

Life rafts on the Great Lakes only require repacking every three years but some manufacturers warranties require yearly inspection. Be sure that the dated materials, flares, water, food are all kept current as well. We hope to deploy our raft at the Offshore Safety meeting, March 11, 2003. We want to see what it looks like before we have to depend on it. Also at that safety meeting, we hope to shoot off all the different types and sizes of flares we have. Again we want to know how to use them before it becomes necessary to do so. This is especially important if you ever have to fire a flare when in a life raft.

On the Great Lakes, due to the proximity of harbors and drinkable water all around us, most people do not think of having a ditch bag, with supplies needed for the potential stay in your raft. Remember, even in Lake Michigan, a storm can keep rescuers away for a couple of days. Make sure you plan for this worst case situation and include medical supplies, food and hand held radio. Once a rescuer is close, be it coast guard, commercial or recreational vessel, it's the best way to direct them your way and communicate.

Many offshore cruising boats do not have man overboard poles attached to their horseshoe as part of their regular equipment. Short handed makes it very hard to find someone who has been swept over. If nothing else the man overboard pole helps find the spot were you believe they went over.

Finally, make it a habit of monitoring 16. It is as important for you to render assistance to others as much as it is for others to help you.