Safety Briefing Template

Emergency roles, comms, gear use, and abandon-ship flow. Print, brief, sign.

Crew Welcome/Expectations Doc

Crew expectations, packing, comms, costs, and duties—send before they step aboard.

Captain's Letter (Crew Entry Letter)

One-page crew letter to present at immigration when your crew is joining you. Fill, print, sign.

Vessel Delivery Waiver

Owner acknowledgment for deliveries: seaworthiness/insurance, liability limits, expenses, standby fee, and routing authority.

Affidavit to Use Vessel (Owner Permission)

Owner authorization for temporary use of a vessel—handy for deliveries, crew boarding, port clearance, and official requests. Neutral, reusable template in English & Español.

Watch Schedules

Printable rotations tested offshore. Choose crew size:

The Captain's Manifesto

The creed—fancy print sheet and plain version.

Offshore Liability Waiver

The waiver I use with paying crew—adapt it for your program.

Soft-Shackle Walkthrough

Step-by-step Dyneema soft shackles and splicing basics.

How to Heave-to

Stabilize the boat, rest the crew, and reduce loads in rough weather—my offshore method.

How to Kedge Off

Get yourself unstuck safely using a kedge—gear, setup, and step-by-step execution.

Abandonment Checklist

One-page, print-ready checklist + quick reminders. Keep a copy at the nav station and in the ditch bag.

Links, Books & Recommended Videos

Curated resource guide with training links, reading list, podcasts, and gear sources.

Departure Checklist

30-day countdown, dockside procedures, and pre-departure tests—print, laminate, and brief.

Ditch Bag Inventory

Coastal and offshore versions with practical notes. Print, laminate, and review quarterly.

Sailing with Kids (Mini eBook)

Real stories and practical wisdom for cruising families. Safety, schooling, routines, and how to make life afloat joyful for kids and parents alike.

When the Ocean Roared — Libra

Newport–Bermuda passage in 50–60 knots: Gulf Stream strategy, storm tactics, and what a true bluewater ketch can do when the front really hits.

S/V Escape — Lessons Learned

What failed, what worked, and what I carry into every passage.

S/V Theros — Battery Fire Tragedy

A lithium retrofit gone wrong: a fire at sea, a dinghy escape, and the fatal chain of decisions every cruiser must understand.

Work with James

I offer a limited number of private decision sessions for sailors facing significant offshore choices—boat selection, preparation, risk assessment, or passage planning. These are not introductory calls or general advice sessions.

90-minute decision session • $500

Preparation matters. Please send relevant details in advance—your experience, sail plan, goals, timeline, and links to any boats, surveys, or supporting materials—so I can review them before we meet. This is a decision session—no fluff.