How to be a good guest on a sailboat
by Kathleen Richardson
A good guest is as welcome on a sailboat as he or she is in someone's home, and the rules of etiquette are basically the same in either place. You can do your part in creating an enjoyable, safe voyage by following these tips on how to be a good guest on a sailboat.
Dress for the occasion...
Sunny skies may seem to call for shorts, t-shirt and sandals. Just remember that the sun may not stay out during the whole trip, and lake or ocean breezes can be chilly. Pack extras such as long pants, socks and a windbreaker. Carry extra clothes and other items in a soft, collapsible bag, particularly for overnight trips. Space is limited on a sailboat, and soft bags are more easily tucked into small spaces.
Footwear is the most important piece of apparel to consider when on a sailboat. Wear sneakers or some other type of boat shoe. White, smooth undersides are preferred so that you don't mark up the deck or gunwales.
For your health and safety...
If you're concerned about becoming seasick, take a dimenhydrinate such as Dramamine to help prevent motion sickness or nausea.
A sailor's best friend is sunblock. Bring your own and apply it liberally and often. Not only is your skin exposed to direct sunlight, but also the sun is reflecting off the water's surface. Wear a hat to protect the top of your head.
If the Captain doesn't tell you where the life jackets are located, ask before the boat sets sail. If you can't swim, consider wearing a life jacket at all times. If you're bringing children on the trip - with the Captain's permission, of course - bring life jackets for them. Not every sailboat will have children's life jackets available and a proper fit is important.
Eat, drink and be merry...
Unless specifically told not to, bring your own beverages and food. Bring enough to share with others. If the boat's owners insist on providing food and beverages, offer to pay for the gas.
Glass will break and therefore does not belong on a sailboat, so bring drinks in cans or plastic.
Feed the Captain first and make sure he always has something to drink. He's doing the hardest work, and he needs to stay hydrated and keep up his strength.
If you're considering bringing beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages, ask permission. Partying and getting drunk, or even slightly high, is not appropriate. With too much drinking comes inhibition and impaired judgment, a dangerous state to be in on board a sailboat. One or two alcoholic drinks are enough, particularly on a hot, sunny day.
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Your most frequently used words once on the sailboat should be What can I do to help? and Where do you want me to stand (sit)? Even before boarding, take time to familiarize yourself with some boating terms.
*Stern: If you're facing forward, your rear is facing the rear, or stern, of the sailboat.
*Aft: Anything located in the stern area of the boat is aft.
*Port: When facing the front of the boat, port is to your left.
*Starboard: When facing the front of the boat, starboard is to your right.
*Boom: The large, horizontal metal or wood pole to which the base, or bottom, of a sail is attached.
*Mast: The large, vertical metal or wood pole on which the sail is raised, or hoisted.
*Helm: the steering wheel or tiller used to steer the sailboat.
*Knot: When you ask how fast the boat is traveling, you'll hear this nautical term. One knot equals one nautical mile per hour. If you want further details, ask the boat's skipper who'll be glad to have an interested listener.
*Fathom: When you ask how deep the water is, you're going to receive your answer in sailor talk. A fathom is equal to six feet.
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What else should a good guest on a sailboat be aware of?
Do what you're told at all times. That includes where to sit and stand. Your safety and survival and that of others on board could depend on your immediate response to directions. If nothing else, stay out of the way.
Smoking is not allowed on every sailboat. Be aware of the rules and if smoking is permitted, do not throw ashes or cigarette butts into the water.
After your ride, wait until the boat is completely docked to gather up your belongings. It can be very distracting to the boat's crew and shifting your weight can cause problems. Some berths - spaces where the boat is docked and tied up (or anchored) - can be quite small. Moving around can cause the boat to hit a dock or another boat. Stay still unless assigned a job, then do it quickly and efficiently.
Back on shore, pick up your belongings, including empty cans and plastic bottles. If you brought small children with you, hopefully you also brought plastic bags for wrapping up and disposing of soiled diapers. Take these ashore, too.
If you've been lucky enough to know a sailboat owner and have taken several trips, one way to return the favor is by helping with off-season maintenance, such as bottom painting in the spring or preparing the boat for winter storage.
A man's home is his castle. His sailboat is, too. Some skippers live aboard on weekends, other stay for the summer, and yet others live full-time aboard their boats. As a guest, you have a responsibility to follow the rules of that household, earning yourself respect as a good guest to have on a sailboat.