What do you tell 1st timers on your boat

[Superpickle]

Cant you just Velcro them to a spot and leave it at that

[smackdaddy]

I just say "HEY! GET THE HELL OFF MY BOAT!"

Sorry dude, this thread is just too ripe for one-liners. The falling over thing is the biggest issue I have to explain. However, I'd never thought of using the Volkswagen formula. I'm interested to see what it takes to Jeff's Farr planing with a couple of VW bugs lashed to his keel.

At the first sign of a heel, I also like to start screaming hysterically: "We're all gonna diiiieeeee!!!"

People usually don't sail with me.

[T37Chef]

"Hey...if you're going to blow chunks, please do so on side leaning toward the water"

JeffH... you lost me

[LittleMissMagic]

Reading some of these posts answers the question why there is very little new blood in sailing. Some people may be interested in having FUN on the water, not being press-ganged into your navy.
Anyone new on my boat learns about the location of emergency gear, and generally stay out of the way if an emergency occurs, a newbie won't be much help anyway.

[DrB]

Little Miss Magic,

I agree in principle. The goal is to have FUN and not feel like it a rules cruise. However, unlike a powerboat where things are relatively calm and flat, a sailboat is a dynamic environment, so a little more attention to safety and detail is warranted. People can get very hurt witha swinging boom or flailing line; things to do not happen on a power boat.

My responsibility as a captain, foremost, is the safety of my crew and self, not necessarily to have fun. Obliviously if I can keep my crew safe, then I did my job. As far as having fun, some folks just don't like sailing or don't like the feeling of heeling and therefore they will never be comfortable and have fun. I, and the admiral, do our best to make sure everyone gets a chance to steer and work the lines if they want and become more active and overall enjoy themselves. Some do, some don't.

At the end of the day if everyone leaves unharmed, then I consider it a successful sail, regardless if they had "fun".

Siamese-

You mentioned peeing at 15 to 20 deg heel. We have three "rules" for head use:

1) If you didn't previously eat or drink it, don't flush it.
2) If you are unsure of something when operating the head, get the captain instead of forcing something. And the most important rule for guys,
3) "When at Sea, EVERYONE sits to pee"

DrB

[US27inKS]

I did think of one rule I enforce with non sailors on the boat. On a lake it's pretty hard to get into too much trouble, but the winds do shift. So when going downwind, SIT DOWN.

[WinterRiver]

Great ideas, everyone.

Another rule I enforce: Go down below facing backwards. This applies to everyone, regardless of the sea state. It is a steep ladder, and I don't need anyone falling.

On my boat, a center cockpit with a full enclosure, it is not obvious that there is a danger of being hit by the boom if you're beside the cockpit. I always explain to people that I am safe standing next to the enclosure, but if you're any taller than me, you won't be. I also ppint out a dangerous spot just aft of the cockpit, where the traveller is, across to the lifelines. One "unexpected maneuver" and someone could be hit by or swept overboard by the main sheet.

[nightowle]

Sabreman,
your list is great. I caught that previously on another post and started using it with new crew and adapted to my boat.

Another sailing buddy copied it for her boat.....so it live on!! Many thanks.

[jinjyr]

I tell them how easy it was to get the boat to right itself the last time we capsized.

[jinjyr]

seiously, I teach them how to use the VHF if something happens to me.