SeaMemo
Documenting a sailing trip: how to record every trip properly
A well documented trip is valuable three times over: as a memory, as proof of sea miles and as protection if there is a dispute at the charter handover. Here is what to record before, during and after the trip, and how to save yourself the work.
Why document at all?
- Memories: photos, route and moments aboard. Years later you will want to know where that one sunset was.
- Proof of sea miles: without documented miles there is no sea miles certificate and no admission to exams.
- Protection: on charter yachts a handover report with photos protects you against unjustified damage claims at check out.
Before the trip: taking over the boat
Documentation starts at the handover, not when you cast off. A structured charter check goes through the boat systematically: hull, rigging, engine, safety equipment, existing damage. Photograph existing scratches and defects and have the report signed by the charter company. Now is also the time to set up the crew list: who is aboard in which role. The full list is in the guide charter boat handover checklist.
Rule of thumb: anything that could be disputed at check out should be recorded at handover with a photo and timestamp.
During the trip: the legs
At sea the actual logbook is created. For each leg it makes sense to record:
- start, destination, distance and time, the basis for proving miles
- weather: wind, sea, visibility
- notable events: manoeuvres, incidents, repairs
- photos and notes for the memories
- who was aboard and in which role
After the trip: secure and share
Two things belong at the end of a trip: first, get the sea miles confirmation from the skipper while everyone is still together. Second, share the memories with the crew, shared photos and trip data everyone keeps. Both are much harder weeks later. And if you like, the trip becomes a photo book.
Which app suits you depends on whether you mainly want proof, memories or company. Our comparison of the best sailing logbook apps gives an overview, and SeaMemo vs SeaPeople puts a logbook and a community app side by side.
With SeaMemo: one trip, everything documented
- Charter check: handover with report, photos and the charter company's signature.
- Tracking and journal: legs are recorded by GPS; photos, notes and weather are added per entry.
- Invite the crew: everyone adds photos and entries, everyone keeps the trip.
- Proof: the sea miles certificate as a PDF for German and Austrian licences.
Get SeaMemo for free
Logbook, travel journal and crew in one app. For iPhone and Android, works offline at sea.
Frequently asked questions
What belongs in a trip log?
Per leg: start and destination, distance and time, weather, notable events and who was aboard in which role. Plus photos and notes for the memories. These details are also the basis for proving sea miles.
Why a handover report on a charter?
A handover report with photos and the charter company's signature records existing damage before the trip. That protects you at check out from claims for defects that were already there, and protects your deposit.
How do I share the trip with my crew?
In SeaMemo you invite your crew to the trip. Everyone can add photos and entries, and everyone keeps the shared memories and the miles they sailed in their own profile.
Can I add to the trip afterwards?
Photos, notes and journal entries can be added after the trip. The GPS track itself is created live while sailing, so tracking should run from casting off to record route and distance completely.