The Bos’n supervises stowage aboard our vessels, however it is everyone’s responsibility as well. When a piece of equipment is needed, it is usually needed immediately; we don’t always have time for a leisurely search. When it is not needed, it may find itself in the way of something else. If you are not using something, put it away. It may not seem urgent, but if you are suddenly needed to perform some task, you may not have time to go back and stow something correctly.

4.1 Personal Gear
For normal day trips a small knapsack or other small simple seabag will suffice to hold all of your personal gear and provisions. If it has shoulder straps, they can be used to suspend it beneath a thwart: out-of-the-way and out-of-the-bilge. On more extensive voyages (overnighters or multi-day events) the use of Bork-bags is recommended. These were developed by James Lande (Bork) to facilitate stowage aboard the Fyrdraca. A Bork-bag is an 11" x 11" x 11" cubical bag with straps attached to the top, allowing it to be slung beneath a thwart. Pocketed flaps covering openings at front and rear help keep the contents dry while allowing easy access, and provide convenient storage for small items. They should be made from a durable water-resistant material such as tent-canvas. Typically, one will suffice to carry clothing and provisions for an overnighter, while 1 to 2 will hold enough for an extended voyage. Bork-bags are also a good place to store your sailing gear at home, so you can find it all in one place when you plan to go out on the ship. (Remember to remove any perishable items from the bag before you throw it in your closet, though.)

4.2 Ship’s gear
The Bos’n is in charge of insuring that the ship’s gear is well stowed and accessible. (This is not a contradiction.) Woe betide the Crewmember who leaves something loose so that it goes over-board, or buries a critical piece of gear under their blanket roll.

4.3 Stowing everything away when done sailing
When all is said and done, and the voyage at an end, it still isn’t done. Get your gear to the car, then help strip the ship. You are not using it, so put it away. Do not sneak off and leave the hard work for the faithful few. The captain can’t leave until everything is squared away so the next captain and crew can find it. If everyone pitches in, the job goes quickly. If you short people on this phase, you may just end up on the short end yourself when you next want to go out. Do it right each time and it will be right when you need it.

The majority of equipment is stored in the small shed between the forge and tobacco barn at Oakley. Large items such as oars, or infrequently used items, are stored in the tobacco barn. In order to alleviate confusion, especially by those unfamiliar with the ship, some items have attached color–coded labels:

A more complete list of where to stow things is in Appendix F, as well as posted inside the shed.