Skippers Notes

Skippers Notes – Freya of Orwell  V5 7/OCT/2025

  1. It is assumed that the Skipper has had a recent familiarization, so these Notes should only be supplementary.
  2. Timely contact with Crew by email (and assumed a WA or Signal messaging Group set up)  with Joining Instructions plus request for any Victualing/Dietary requirements and medical condition updates.
  3. Please read ASAP after arrival at Freya, the Ops Manual, again, thoroughly and review the Ships Paper Folder.
  4. Check the Close Down and Handover Note Form, from the previous Skipper, (especially if you have not met on arrival). Update the Yacht Husband, Assistant Yacht Husband and Yacht Sec on any discrepancies.

Use the “Sailing Freya 2025” What’s App group to contact the previous Skipper/Historic Skippers/Historic YHs, if you need to clarify anything (hopefully the previous Skipper is not in the Air..).

  • Check that Water/Fuel/Gas were bunkered, as appropriate by the previous crew (and when required refuel appropriately with Biocide from Forepeak Cabin Stool Storage.. to mitigate against fuel issues).
  • Check the engine hours run against the Close Down/Handover form and meter, with the log and for last oil/filter change. Oil Change every 250hrs run. Note: Oil level can take some time to settle.
  • Check the Cat C Kit in Stern Cabin has not had seals broken and if it has check contents: Report to Yacht Husband, Assistant Yacht Husband and Yacht Sec as this is an Emergency Kit.: There should be a comprehensive First Aid kit for most situations in locker above and just forward of the Chart Table.
  • Check lifejackets.
  • Check for damage and missing fenders.
  • Check thoroughly throughout interior and external, especially if boat has been left for some time.
  • Check and clean Sea Water strainer regularly (rear of engine compartment) after closing sea water inlet, due to green algae build up. Do not overtighten the four manual fixing bolts when reassembling. Remember to open sea water inlet after please..
  • Grease the Steering (below rear cabin bunk and above rudder stock) by turning the screw cap, a half a turn weekly.
  • Alcaidesa Marina: Read water and power meters on Services Pillar of Berth on arrival, on departure from berth (informing marina of departures and requesting reactivation prior to Freyja’s return by email to marina@alcaidesa.com):Check readings on return to Berth: Read and settle bill at end of your event, with Marina (apart from Training events, maintenance and “accommodation only” stays). Failure to inform Marina of Freyja’s departure could result in crew dealing with additional charges…
  • Alcaidesa Marine: A contribution of £20/night is requested of crews for nights on the marina berth, payable to ECYC Treasurer, for those nights of the Charter, Seatime or Cruise.
  • Alcaidesa Marina: Access Cards (to enter and leave Pontoon plus showers/toilet Block) can be obtained from Marina Office with a Euro 10 refundable deposit (on return of cards to Marina).
  • Alcaidesa Marina: Skippers should remind crew that the car park is open to public and vigilance, once off the Pontoon, should be maintained, especially during the hours of darkness.
  • We do NOT recommend bringing Freyja alongside the Marina Reception Wharf as the wall is of very rough concrete only and bollards are widely spaced.
  • Fuel should be purchased from CEPSA Fuel Dock, just before the entrance to Ocean Village Marina, in Gibraltar (as significantly cheaper): Location is on the South side of the Western end of the Runway (and western flight path approach lights), yet only approximately 500 metres from Alcaidesa: Fuel dock level is high so stepping up (coming in Starboard Side to): Refuelling does not require passport clearance into Gibraltar: Refuelling and gas costs will be reimbursed following photocopies being sent by email to the Treasurer (with actual receipts left in the back of the Ships Papers folder).                    
  • Effective 3rd Oct 25: Please unzip Main lazy bag on initial use, use sail ties until finish of event, when lazy bag should be carefully zipped up (until lazy bag stitching can be professionally repaired).
  • Effective 3rd Oct 25: Please ensure the Port side leaf of Anchor locker rope/bungee is secured round the windlass (retaining metal leaf will be replaced during Maint).
  • Prior to final departure from Freyja, please complete a Close Down and Handover Form, (blanks in Ships Papers), sending a photo copy by email to the Yacht Husband, Assistant Yacht Husband and Yacht Sec (leaving original onboard).
  •  Where possible, contact next Skipper to cascade/discuss minor issues, relevant experiences or concerns, plus changes to Berth location, etc: If able (and still local) offer next Skipper a Freya refamiliarization.
  • All Batteries need to be left disconnected/open circuit, via associated Isolators and the panel switch to the OFF position, if Freya is not being used the following week.
  • Remove Non-Rechargeable AA from Handheld Radio and leave batteries alongside the Handheld Radio for next Skipper.

Bob Fletcher

Yacht Sec 2025