First on the list of essentials is an inflatable life jacket equipped with an MOB1 beacon. This AIS device transmits the position of a person overboard to nearby vessels. But Éric points out its limitations in the middle of the Atlantic: in around ten days, he's encountered just two boats! Needless to say, the chances of finding a vessel within reception range are pretty slim.
To complement his safety equipment, the skipper has chosen a Garmin inReach, a satellite communicator with an SOS function. Unlike a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), this device also allows two-way messaging with rescue services. That's a considerable advantage if he ever has to abandon the catamaran: from a life raft, he could provide details about his situation, including any medical issues, and receive instructions.
Éric also emphasizes some much simpler but equally useful accessories: a headlamp for moving around at night, a powerful flashlight for checking the waters around the catamaran, and a knife kept within easy reach of the sail-control station, allowing him to cut a line quickly in an emergency.
There are no unnecessary gadgets in this selection, just equipment that's easy to use and always close at hand. Because when sailing solo, safety also means being able to react quickly, without having to hunt for the right gear at the worst possible moment!
Follow Éric live: https://share.garmin.com/Skiboo2
