Whether it’s a spilt litter tray, pet passports or dogs overboard, sailing with furry friends can be a challenge, but since a pet is often an integral member of the family, leaving them at home is simply not an option for some. When we got a kitten, I spoke to past and present cruisers to find out the realities of living on the water with a pet, to ensure our upcoming voyage was memorable for all the right reasons.
MOVEMENT AROUND THE BOAT
Whether the pet or the boat comes first, there are several considerations to keep in mind when it comes to reconciling the two to each other. Moving between above and below decks on a monohull can be tricky; modern yachts tend to have less vertiginous companionways and bathing platforms aft but older yachts often have a companionway with five or six near-vertical steps, smaller living spaces and a lack of easy access to the water. These design features can present problems for those sailing with large dogs, especially if you are unable to lift them regularly. A plank with rungs is one solution for making a steep companionway climbable while adding marine carpet to your companionway steps might help by providing more grip.
SAFE SPACE
Creating a safe space during rough weather on both tacks requires a bit of forethought. A bed that will keep them secure is vital; a simple crate with padded lining, the footwell beside your bunk lined with cushions, or a saloon settee with a lee cloth would all work for dogs. Cats will naturally find hidey-hole to hunker down in at sea.
SAFETY ON DECK
Denne historien er fra August 2020-utgaven av Yachting Monthly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 2020-utgaven av Yachting Monthly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
I WAS THE ONLY SAILOR ON OUR FAMILY CHARTER AND IT HAD TO GO WELL
Crystal waters, cliff tombs and sunken outboards lain Willis wanted to ensure plain sailing for his family’s first charter around Turkey's Lycian Coast
HOW IT WORKS SEAWATER PUMP
The water and oil seals on a water pump shaft will eventually wear with time, leading to pump-shaft corrosion or loss of engine oil.
THOUSANDS OF MILES ACROSS THE INDIAN OCEAN
Floris and Ivar battled severe weather and cross swell to sail from Australia to South Africa, but there were beautiful islands on the way
The secret of yachts with enduring appeal
Fashions come and go, but J-Boats remain a safe choice for great sailing boats, whether you want to own it for ever or sell it
Tragic sinking of Bayesian; Italian prosecutors investigate
The sinking of the Bayesian superyacht in reportedly only 16 minutes and the tragic loss of seven lives has sent a shudder through the sailing community and beyond.
THE ADVENT OF MARINE AI TECHNOLOGY
Fonathon Savill reports on the revolutionary impact artificial intelligence is about to have on all areas of life at sea
IMPROVING SINGLE-LINE REEFING
Martin Watts explains how to reduce the friction on the reefing lines of newer yachts
The secrets of skippering a successful cruise
Setting off on a cruise is easy, but planning a route that keeps your options open and ensures the enjoyment of all on board is more of an art
CRUISING THE KINGDOM OF THE ISLES
Joanna Martin and her husband Mark sail across the Irish Sea to the legendary sea kingdom and to draw the wonderful wildlife there
MOODY DS48
Can a boat built for long-term, long-distance cruising and offering one-level living still deliver an enjoyable sailing experience? Theo Stocker sets sail across the English Channel to find out