How To Keep A Sailing Log
Knowing how to keep a sailing log is an essential skill for any sailor. It can be a simple notebook where you track basic information like date, time, course, and wind conditions. Or it can be a more detailed record of every voyage, including mileages, sightings, and seasickness remedies that worked (or didn’t work).
Regardless of what type of sailing log you use, it’s a handy tool for tracking your progress and remembering your sailing adventures.
After three years of living at sea, we’ve put together some top tips on how to make the most out of your sailing log.
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How to fill out a sailing log accurately
Is a sailing log a legal requirement?
What is a sailing log or captain’s log?
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A log book (also known as a captain’s log or ship’s log) is a record of a ship’s journey, and a sailing log is a type of log book that specifically records the details of a sailing trip.
The log may include information such as the ship’s position, speed, weather conditions, and any incidents that occur during the voyage. A sailing log can be used to track the ship’s progress, identify problems, and plan for future journeys.
For sailors, the log is an essential tool for planning and safety. For armchair sailors, it can be a fun way to follow along with a ship’s journey and learn about the various challenges that sailors face.
Why do ships keep a log?
A ship’s log is more than just a record of its journey. It is also a safety tool and a source of information for the captain and crew.
The log can be used to track the ship’s location, speed, and heading. It also often contains critical information about the ship’s condition, such as its cargo, fuel levels, and engine performance.
In case of an emergency, the log can be used to help rescuers locate the ship and identify any potential hazards.
For these reasons, every ship keeps a log, and maintaining it is an essential part of sailing.
What goes in a ship’s log?
Individual sailing logs might differ slightly, but they will all include certain key information collected over a voyage. As a minimum, try to include the following key bits of information.
- Departure and destination
- Heading
- Speed
- Fuel consumption
- Course coordinates
- Weather conditions
- Nautical miles traveled
- Any maintenance.
When writing your sailing log you might also want to include information gained from the trip to help you remember key points. This could be anything from the morale of the crew, to spotting dolphins, to watching the sunset.
The log can be used to troubleshoot problems with the vessel, and it can also be used to plan future voyages, so it’s useful to include as much relevant information as possible.
Where to buy a sailing log
You can actually pick up sailing log books for cheap on sites like Amazon. There is a huge range of different layouts and designs out there, so make sure you take a look at some of the inside sample pages before you buy.
Amazon doesn’t always show the inside pages, but you can often see other people’s photos of them if you scroll down to the comments sections!
Here are some of our favourite designs.
This is a one book does it all sailing log book. It has a cruise log with trip notes and places to remember, a fishing log, a motor and boat maintenance log, fuel log and they’ve also included a Beaufort wind scale and knot conversion reminder.
The Captain’s logbook is great for daily entries, with all the necessary columns to record vital information while underway. It’s perfect for shorter trips and has plenty of room to record extra details.
The Cruising Log Book is a little more expensive than the other options on here but is also a little more specific to the needs of cruisers.
It provides lots of space for recording information about your sails, a guest registry, and quick reference pages that provide information on topics like rules of the road, radio procedures, distress signals and weather references.
One of the best things about this sailing log design is the spiral binding, which means the pages open and lay flat making it easier to use and long-lasting.
How to choose the best sailing log book for you
If you love sailing, chances are you also love keeping track of your voyages. After all, there’s nothing quite like reliving the highlights of a well-executed passage or sharing stories of rough weather with fellow sailors.
But with so many sailing log books on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:
First, think about how much detail you want to include in your log book. Do you want to just jot down the basics, or do you want to track every mile sailed and every minute spent at anchor?
There’s no wrong answer here – it’s simply a matter of preference. If you like to keep things simple, look for a log book with pre-printed pages that offer plenty of space for notes. If you’re the type who likes to document every last detail, opt for a blank journal that you can customize to your own needs.
Next, consider how you want to format your log book. Do you prefer a traditional bound book, or would you prefer something more lightweight and portable?
Again, there’s no right or wrong answer – it’s simply a matter of personal preference. Just be sure to choose a book that will hold up well to repeated use, whether it’s stored in your cabin or thrown in your backpack for shore excursions.
Finally, take a look at the design of the sailing log book itself. Some come with nifty features like built-in rulers and conversion tables, while others are simple and straightforward.
Choose the style that best suits your needs and personality – after all, this is YOUR sailing log book!
With these guidelines in mind, finding the perfect sailing log book is easy. So get out there and start tracking your adventures on the high seas!
How to fill out a sailing log accurately
We’ve got a few tips for filling out your sailing log book accurately, to ensure it’s a useful document and not just a time filler on a long passage!
Clear and simple
Your log book should be super easy to read for anyone picking it up. Keep handwriting simple and neat, and keep language to the point. You’re not writing an award-winning story, you’re keeping a concise record of events.
You should also consider the layout of your log book. If you’ve bought a premade sailing log you will probably find it’s laid out in columns for ease of reading. If you’re making your own ensure you use a ruler and keep it neat!
Hourly entries
As the skipper, you can choose how often your log book gets filled in. You might want to stick to hourly entries, or make sure the log book is filled in at the end of each crew member’s watch.
The more frequently you enter data into the captain’s log, the more useful a document it will be if you ever need it in an emergency.
Use pencil for your entries
It’s easy to make mistakes when writing in a log book, and there’s nothing worse than scribbles all over a page. Use a pencil with a rubber on the end and make sure you rub out any mistakes to keep your entries neat.
Stow your log book somewhere safe
Your log book should be kept somewhere safe and accessible. The best place is usually alongside your paper charts.
In an emergency, you’ll want to try and take your log book with you in your ditch bag as it will contain recent coordinates and heading, and other important data that could be useful to anyone searching for you.
You’ll want to keep it dry and free of mold or mildew, and for this reason, many sailors keep their log books in a protective folder or case.
Is a ship log a legal requirement?
While a log is not technically a legal requirement for boats under 100 gross tonnes, most captains choose to keep one as a way to document their journeys and track their progress.
In addition, many maritime laws require captains to maintain accurate records of their voyage, and one of the easiest ways to do this is with a log book.
For these reasons, it is safe to say that a ship’s log is more than just a helpful tool – it is an essential part of any captain’s toolkit.
Digital or paper sailing log?
There’s no right answer to the question of whether digital or paper sailing logs are better. It largely comes down to personal preference.
Some sailors prefer the convenience of having all their information stored electronically, while others find it helpful to be able to see everything at a glance on paper. Whichever method you choose, there are some pros and cons to consider.
Digital sailing logs offer the advantage of being easy to update and access. You can simply add new entries as you go, and you can usually access your log from anywhere using your phone or tablet. Some sailing watches even keep very basic logs!
The downside is that digital logs can be prone to technical issues, such as battery life or lost data. If you’re relying on technology while out at sea, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of emergencies.
Paper sailing logs may not be as immediately convenient as digital ones, but they’re much less likely to fail you in a crucial moment. You can’t count on your batteries never running out, but you can always rely on paper and pencil. And if you’re the type of person who prefers having everything in front of you at once, a paper log will definitely suit you better.
The main downside is that paper logs can be more difficult to keep organized, especially if you’re recording a lot of information.
Ultimately, the best sailing log is the one that works best for you!
Can you use GPS instead of a sailing log?
A sailing log has been used by mariners for centuries, usually in the form of a written log. Today, GPS technology has made it possible to track this information more accurately.
However, some sailors still prefer to use sailing logs. They argue that GPS can fail in bad weather and that it doesn’t log things like fuel consumption and weather conditions.
In addition, GPS doesn’t provide information about the ship’s heading, which can be important in determining your position. Ultimately, it is up to each sailor to decide whether to use a sailing log or GPS, but we like to keep a proper log on longer passages just in case.
Alternatives to a Captain’s Log
In the age of Facebook and Twitter, is there still a place for the captain’s log?
Many modern pirates are embracing social media, using it to share photos of their bounty, post updates on their location, and even connect with other scallywags.
Some pirates have even abandoned traditional paper logs altogether, instead relying on sailing log book apps like Sailing Expert to track their travels.
While the captain’s log may be a tradition steeped in history, it seems that in the 21st century, many pirates are more likely to be tweeting than writing!
Summary of how to keep a sailing log
Sailors have been keeping logs for centuries, and there are many reasons why you should too. A sailing log can help you stay on course, make better decisions while sailing, and even improve your sailing skills.
By taking the time to record your journey in a sailing log, you will be able to look back on past voyages with fond memories and learn from your mistakes.
So grab a pen and paper (or open up a log book app) and start recording your sailing adventures today!
For more top tips on sailing and the liveaboard lifestyle, make sure you follow along on social media where we post the latest from our adventures living on our sailboat. We’d love to have you along for the ride!
