We asked Gordon Hyde “what essentials to pack in your coach kit for quick repairs afloat”.

Gordon Hyde is an AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) Coxswain, Senior Keelboat Instructor, Senior Dinghy Instructor and Senior Powerboat Instructor having coached for over 25 years including multiple catamaran clinics and the first Victorian Womens Keelboat Regatta. Gordon has had his fair share of repairs that have needed to be done on the go, whether that is on a Sydney to Hobart, or when coaching kids at a club, the requirements change but the need for supplies to repair boats does not.  

There is nothing more frustrating than having to cut a coaching session short due to one boat having equipment failure and while it is good practice for the participants to have a few spares on the boat with them, not everyone will be that prepared. By having a few key items in your coaches' kit bag, and being prepared to assist with any minor repairs, the problem goes from a major delay either for the individual or the group depending on the damage and the age of the participant, to being a problem quickly fixed, allowing the session to progress with minimal delay.  

Coaches and instructors should consider carrying supplies such as:  

• Duct tape for minor hull damage. 

• Spare shackles for lost pins/ shackles and for quick fixes. 

• A good shackle key for multiple jobs. 

• Multi tool (which includes a screwdriver). 

• A serrated knife (There should be one on your powerboat, but you should also carry one) 

• Length of rope (ideally dyneema or similar)  

• Some sail ties should you need to lower sails 

Extras may include: 

• Hazard tape for abandoned boats 

• Class specific tools or parts 

Adapting this basic list for a specific type or class of boat for which you are coaching or instructing is important and may require a more extensive kit. 

Carrying these suggested items with you could save the session and allow more time on the water instead of the need to tow your sailors back to shore for minor repairs. 

When assessing the situation and weighing up whether it is a quick fix or a tow into shore, determine the damage, the risks for continuing the session, and the overall likelihood of the participants having quality experience.