How to Prepare Your Yacht for the Sailing Season in Chichester Marina

As the days get longer and the sailing season approaches, it’s time to get your yacht ready for the water.

Whether you’re moored in Chichester Marina, exploring Chichester Harbour, or planning longer coastal passages, proper pre-season preparation ensures safe, hassle-free sailing.

Neglecting maintenance after months of winter storage can lead to unexpected breakdowns, rigging failures, or costly delays.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential yacht maintenance checklist to get your boat in top condition before your first sail of the season.

How to prepare your yacht

1. Inspect Your Rigging for Wear and Tear

The rigging is the backbone of your yacht, and after a long winter, it’s essential to check for signs of damage before heading out.

Standing Rigging Checklist:

• Inspect shrouds and stays for frayed wires, rust, or kinks.

• Check turnbuckles and chainplates for corrosion or movement.

• Look for hairline cracks at swages and terminals.

• Ensure your mast step and spreaders are secure.

Running Rigging Checklist:

• Check all halyards, sheets, and control lines for chafe, stiffness, or UV damage.

• Run new ropes through blocks and clutches to ensure smooth operation.

• Lubricate furling gear, blocks, and winches for easy trimming.

Expert Tip: If you’re unsure about your rig’s condition, book a professional rigging inspection with Peerless Marine at Chichester Marina. A small issue now could save you from a major failure at sea.

2. Service Your Winches and Deck Hardware

After months of inactivity, winches, cleats, and deck fittings can become stiff or corroded.

• Strip down and clean winches, checking for worn pawls and springs.

• Lubricate moving parts with winch grease—but not too much, as excess grease attracts dirt.

• Test clutches and jammers for proper grip on lines.

• Inspect stanchions and guardrails for loose fittings or bent tubing.

3. Check Your Sails and Sail Covers

Sails take a beating over time, and even minor damage can worsen quickly.

• Unfold and inspect your mainsail, genoa, and spinnaker for:

✅ Small tears or stitching coming loose 

✅ UV damage along the leech 

✅ Delaminating areas on laminated sails 

• Ensure battens are secure and slides run freely.

• Check sail covers, lazy bags, and furling sleeves for rips or broken zippers.

Need sail repairs? Bring them to Peerless Marine for professional sail servicing at Chichester Marina.

4. Inspect Your Mast and Navigation Lights

• Look for corrosion or cracks at mast fittings and spreader roots. 

• Ensure wiring for mast lights, VHF antenna, and wind instruments is intact. 

• Test deck lights, steaming lights, and anchor lights before stepping the mast.

Pro Tip: If you’re stepping your mast this season, it’s the perfect time to replace old rigging and check for hidden issues at the masthead.

5. Check Your Safety Equipment

• Inspect lifejackets, harnesses, and tethers—replace any that are out of date.

• Test your EPIRB or PLB to ensure it’s working.

• Check your flares (expiry dates matter!).

• Service fire extinguishers and bilge pumps to ensure they’re functional.

6. Clean and Antifoul Your Hull

A clean hull means better performance and fuel efficiency. If your boat has been on the hard at Chichester Marina's boatyard, now’s the time to:

• Pressure wash and remove barnacles and marine growth.

• Apply a fresh coat of antifoul paint suited for Chichester Harbour’s waters.

• Inspect through-hull fittings and seacocks for corrosion or leaks.

7. Test Your Engine and Fuel System

Your engine is your safety net, so don’t leave this check until the last minute.

• Change the engine oil and filters.

• Inspect the raw water strainer for debris.

• Check fuel filters and drain any water from the separator.

• Ensure belts are tight and not cracked.

• Test the battery voltage and connections.

8. Prepare for Your First Sail in Chichester Harbour

Before heading through the Chichester Marina lock, double-check:

✔ Your tide timings - it’s best to transit the lock around high water for easier entry/exit.

✔ Your VHF radio - Chichester Marina operates on Channel 80 for lock procedures.

✔ Your fenders and mooring lines - for a smooth departure.

If you’re new to the marina or need guidance on using the lock, check out our full guide: How to Navigate the Chichester Marina Lock Like a Pro.

Ready to Set Sail? Let Peerless Marine Help!

Getting your yacht ready for the season doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you need a rigging check, new halyards, or sail servicing, the team at Peerless Marine in Chichester Marina is here to help.

Need a pre-season rigging check? Book an inspection today and sail with confidence!