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 A line squall may seem exciting to you, but it can be sheer terror for your guests, so make sure to check the weather carefully before taking along any newbies. | |
People don't like being yelled at Well, I guess some do, but that's an article for another site. Anyway, do we really need to go into this? Yelling at your crew is usually a sure sign that you screwed up or weren't thinking far enough ahead. It causes fight-or-flight reactions in the crew and is more likely to cause them to freeze up than to leap into action.
 Remember that the chemistry on board may be a little tricky at times. After a few days in a confined space personalities are likely to clash. | |
People don't like to feel dumb There's a fine line between being a teacher and being a smartass; between answering questions fully and being a bore. Moreover, that first day, they don't really need to know proper terminology for bows, sterns, sheets, halyards, farthingales, and keelhauling. Well, maybe keehauling. We do have to keep some discipline aboard.
There is a subtler aspect to this. There are a lot of questions that just don't get asked. People don't like to look dumb. Also, we just don't take the time. We're so anxious to get out there that we don't take a few moments to show them how the head works. Even more fundamental, we don't give them any idea what to expect. To address this, I've made up a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) that I send people well ahead of the actual trip. In addition to a map, it has a list of really basic things to help people arrive ready for a good day on the water. Nothing technical, no lists of terms to memorize, just some nice fundamental things anyone should know. Your list my be different from mine, but hopefully mine will give you someting to think about.
Let's Go Sailing FAQ What is this? Are these rules I have to follow?Not at all. Just the answers to questions I often get asked. The most important part is the map to get you to the boat. Is sailing safe? Yes, especially when you're with me. I've sailed since I was five years old and bought my first boat in 1976. The worst injury I've had on board in all those years was a sunburn. It's a shame really. I've got lots and lots of emergency equipment that I've never gotten a chance to play with. What should I wear? Something comfortable and seasonal. A hat or cap, sunglasses. What kind of shoes? Boat shoes are best. They grip wet decks well and don't pick up pebbles that can scar the fiberglass, but don't buy them special. Tennis shoes work almost as well. Avoid slippery soles. Avoid leather soles or any other soles that tend to leave scuff marks. It's tough to get them out of fiberglass. Bare feet are OK, but watch out for the deck hardware! How long will we be gone? For a typical daysail, four to six hours. Due to vagaries of wind and tide, it's hard to be precise. What about sun tan lotion? Absolutely. Between direct sun and reflections off the water, you get about twice the UV that you'd normally expect. Avoid the cocoa butter (brown) types. They stain the heck out of fiberglass. What about mosquitoes? Generally they're not a problem, unless we anchor out overnight. The boat has screens to keep the little buggers outside for sleeping.
As little or as much as you want. I can handle the boat safely and comfortably by myself, so feel free to be a deck potato, if you like. If you want to be more involved, be sure to say so. There's nothing much you can break, and I won't let you get in trouble. The objective is to have fun. Will the boat tip over? Nope. Trust me on this one. Can't happen. What should I bring? A camera, if you like. A book, if nature bores you. A swimsuit would not be out of line, but good spots to stop and swim are rare. Any drinks or snacks you're partial to, but I'll have some available regardless. Any prescription drugs you might need, but bring the prescription. We'll discuss meals ahead of time. What should I leave at home? Illegal drugs. Seriously. I mean it. Normal constitutional rules regarding search warrants, probable cause, etc., do not apply on boats. The Coast Guard, game wardens, and about five different kinds of cops can board and search us at any time. If they find illegal drugs, they will impound the boat and keep it as long as they want. Maybe forever. OK, I get it! What else won't I need? Radios, CD players, flashlights, first aid kits, water, glasses, plates, forks, lawn chairs, etc. In general, “less is more.” If we're leaving for a few days, avoid bulky hard-sided luggage. Don't go overboard on clothes, we don't dress for dinner on board. They did on the Titanic and you know how that worked out. Will I get seasick? Only you can judge whether or not to take Dramamine or whatever. Note that motion sickness remedies need to be taken well before heading out on the water to be effective. In general, people seem to feel that Dramamine is most effective, but Bonine is also good with milder side-effects, or so I've heard. Are you going to yell at me? I've never found it necessary. I may ask you to do something. If so, feel free to ask why. Feel free to finish whatever you're doing first. There is one exception: If I say, “Do it now, please!” then do it now, please. Also, pay attention if I say something you're doing is unsafe. Safety issues are non-negotiable, but I can generally figure out a safe way for you to do whatever it is you want to do. As the captain, can you perform marriages? Yes, but marriages performed on this vessel are valid only for the duration of the cruise. | ||||
