At Sailors Planner™, safety has always been at the heart of what we're building.

Our team is based in San Diego, and like many boaters in California, we recently completed the self-guided courses required to receive a California Boater Card. While working through the course material, one theme stood out again and again:

Plan your trip. Share your float plan. Tell a responsible adult on shore.

That message isn't new ...but it's one worth repeating.

A Consistent Safety Message: Don't Sail Without a Float Plan

Throughout California's boater education curriculum, float plans are referenced as a critical safety practice. The guidance is clear:

• Know where you're going
• Know when you plan to return
• Share that information with someone staying on land
• Make sure they know when and how to call for help if you don't check in

A float plan doesn't need to be complicated ...but it does need to be clear, accurate, and accessible when it matters.

The courses reinforced what experienced sailors already know: preparation and communication save lives.

The Reality: Float Plans Often Fall Through the Cracks

Despite the emphasis in safety education, many boaters still rely on:

• Verbal "we'll be back around sunset" messages
• Text threads that get buried
• Notes that never get shared or updated

Good intentions aren't always enough ...especially when plans change, weather shifts, or a delay turns into something more serious.

This gap between knowing you should create a float plan and actually having one ready to share is exactly what led us to build Sailors Planner™.

How Sailors Planner™ Helps: Without Replacing Official Training

To be clear: Sailors Planner is not affiliated with the California Boater Card program, and we don't replace required education or certifications.

What we do offer is a practical tool that helps turn those safety lessons into everyday habits.

With Sailors Planner, boaters can:

• Create a structured float plan in minutes
• Include vessel details, crew, routes, and timing
• Share the plan with a shoreside contact via link or PDF
• Keep everything organized in one place ...not scattered across messages

It's designed to support the same best practices emphasized in boater education, using modern, easy-to-use technology.

Planning Smarter Makes Boating More Enjoyable

Safety planning isn't about fear ...it's about confidence.

When you know your trip is clearly planned and shared, it's easier to focus on what matters most: enjoying your time on the water, your crew, and the experience of being underway.

That mindset ...plan smart, sail safe, enjoy the journey... is what guides everything we're building at Sailors Planner™.

A Habit Worth Keeping

Whether you're new to boating or have years of experience, the message holds true:
If something goes wrong, a shared float plan can make all the difference.

The California Boater Card courses reinforce that lesson. Sailors Planner™ helps make it easier to follow through.

Wherever the wind takes you next, start with a plan ...and make sure someone on shore has it.