What you need for a sailing marathon

A sailing marathon needs more than boats and participants. You will need clearly marked start and finish areas, safety equipment, reliable communication and a simple registration setup on shore. Plan catering for the full volunteer and participant group, including coffee, cold drinks and reusable tableware. Buy or collect the items below early, because life jackets, rescue equipment, walkie-talkies and event furniture are easy to overlook or find unavailable at short notice.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving utensilsqty 12

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Portable speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Walkie-Talkiesqty 3

Sports equipment

Life jacketsqty 12
Life ringsqty 4
Competition buoysqty 12
Anchorsqty 12
Anchor linesqty 12
Route signsqty 12
Start flagsqty 2
Finish flagsqty 2
Bib numbersqty 100
Stopwatchesqty 4
Emergency blanketsqty 12
First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 8
Rainproof storage binsqty 6
Spare paddlesqty 4

Decorations

Bannersqty 6
Directional signsqty 10
Tableclothsqty 8
Prize table sign

Lighting

LED lampsqty 10
String lightsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6
Water jugsqty 8
Ice spoonsqty 4
Ice packsqty 24

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Spongesqty 12
Dish brushesqty 4

Catering

Prizesqty 3
Medalsqty 30
Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Sports drink - 80 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Beer - 72 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Sparkling wine - 3 bottles
- Popsicles - 80 pieces
- Coffee cream - 4 tubs
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Ham - 1 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Bread - 12 loaves
- Whole grain bread - 6 loaves
- Wraps - 8 packs
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 6 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Currant buns - 80 pieces
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Peanuts - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Bread bags - 2 packs
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Matches - 2 boxes

Tips

Count one life jacket for every person who may go afloat, including crew, safety volunteers and officials, then keep extra units available for replacements. Check sizes before race day rather than assuming one fit works for everyone.
Prepare one registration pack per participant: a bib number, route map and any information they need at the start. Print a few extra sets and keep them at the registration desk for damaged or missing materials.
Use separate, clearly labelled containers for start flags, finish flags, route signs, competition buoys, anchors and anchor lines. This prevents the course team from discovering missing markers when setup has already begun.
Allow at least one walkie-talkie for each key operating point, such as registration, start, finish and safety coordination. Test the radios, microphone, portable speaker, extension cords and power strips before participants arrive.
Plan drinks and hot beverages for the entire day, not just the race start. Use coolers for cold drinks and provide enough reusable cups, coffee cups, plates and cutlery for the participant and volunteer headcount.

Frequently asked questions

What safety equipment do I need for a sailing marathon?: Plan one life jacket per person going afloat, plus life rings for the safety setup and a reserved rescue boat. Check the safety equipment at least 24 hours before the event and keep it accessible at the start and finish areas.
How many walkie-talkies are needed for a sailing marathon?: Start with one walkie-talkie for each operational point: registration, start, finish and safety coordination, so four is a practical minimum. Add units for mobile course or rescue teams, and test every radio before race day.
What do I need to mark the sailing marathon route?: Use competition buoys with anchors and anchor lines, together with route signs, start flags and finish flags. Sort and label the complete course-marking set at least one day before setup so missing parts can still be replaced.
What catering supplies should I buy for a sailing marathon?: Base drinks and tableware on the final participant and volunteer count, then add roughly 10% spare cups, plates and cutlery. Provide coolers, kettles or coffee machines, serving platters and utensils, waste bins and enough seating for the shore-side team.

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