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Boating Etiquette
To download the current Boating Etiquette document, click here. (.pdf format)
Know your Skipper: After you receive your sailing assignment, find the Skipper on whose boat you will be sailing to get the sailing specifics (location, time, etc.) The Skipper will ask that all passengers have a completed an Assumption of Risk and Liability Release Agreement form. You can get a copy of this form from the Vice Commodore of Sailing or the Membership Chairperson.
Especially Remember: As soon as you arrive at the dock on the day of the sail, ask the skipper what help you can provide. Most skippers will be happy to make assignments based on your skill level. In general, the more you participate, the more you get out of the experience. In summary: help when you can and be willing the rest of the time. When taking the helm (many skippers will allow even the newbie’s take the helm if the path is clear and the weather isn’t too rough), remember to respect the Skipper’s property and follow the Skipper’s directions.
Cigarettes: Some skippers have a no smoking policy. Others don’t mind if you are down wind. Always ask before lighting up. If you must smoke during a typical 3 hour sail, ask before the boat leaves the dock..
Bring or Wear: Non-skid shoes, sunglasses, sailing gloves, top or shirt, slacks or shorts, hat or cap, sun block, motion sickness remedy. For late evening or cooler weather also bring a warm top and pants, real gloves, jacket, etc. Listen to the weather report before going out.
Shoes: Wear soft-soled shoes with light colored soles. White-soled tennis shoes are great. Black soles or leather soles are usually not welcome; they will leave hard-to-clean marks on the white gel coat of the fiberglass.
What to wear: The weather may turn colder while we are out there. The sail may take a little longer than we planned, so bring a warm jacket just in case. However, if you bring gear onboard, keep it to a minimum – small soft-sided duffel bag or other soft-sided and collapsible bag. At night, it can be down right cold. For a day sail, bring layers to add a sweater or sweatshirt and a lined jacket to block the wind. For a night sail, bring a knit cap, warm gloves, and a good jacket. Remember most body heat is lost from the head. That’s why you feel cold at night in San Diego’s climate.
Odds and ends: Bring a hat that cannot be blown off or is tethered to your jacket with a string. Keep your glasses from going overboard with a string or “croakie” around your neck. Cell phones have been known to fall overboard unless kept in pants pocket, not shirt or blouse. Soft-sided coolers are preferred.
Gloves: If a Dacron line slides through your hands, even a little, it can burn and leave painful blisters. Wear gloves. Wear gloves if you plan on assisting with the lines. Sailing gloves are available at boating stores, but bicycling or weightlifting gloves seem to work as well. Frankly, any old gloves will work.
Optional for raft-ups and tie-ups: a bathing suit will help the tan and sometimes swimming off the boat is in order. Bring a towel and a bathing cap too if you plan to swim.
Drugs: NO ILLICIT DRUGS ONBOARD ANY BOAT. Do not even think about bringing illegal drugs or substances onboard. No exceptions. The USCG has zero tolerance. So do most boat owners. If the Coast Guard finds illegal substances on any boat, they can (and will) impound the boat. Lack of knowledge by the Skipper and owner isn’t a defense. As a result, owners cannot afford to be tolerant. The rule is clear: do NOT bring illegal drugs.
Alcohol: Inquire about the particular Skipper’s policy for his or her boat. Red wine is usually (but not always) verboten as it can stain certain deck finishes.
No shows: Remember a no-show is a NO-NO. Other people are depending upon you to show up on- time and to participate. It is rude to be late without a least attempting to call the Skipper. And it’s ruder still not to show up without even calling.
Head (toilet): Our most favorite topic! Ask the skipper for instructions for making the head work properly. No paper in the head is a quite normal requirement.
Food (What to bring): Ask the skipper what to bring to eat. Usually snacks for yourself and one other works well. Polaris has a tradition of eating fairly well and many guests bring a sample of home cooking and/or favorite food – not required as most skippers like chicken bits just fine). Cold sandwiches, chips, veggies, dips, grapes, melon slices, bananas, etc. are a fine way to stock a day trip.
Trash needs to be carried off the boat with you. Check with the Skipper and the other crew members on that particular sail.
Safety Gear: The Skipper will provide a familiarization and safety briefing. If not provided, ask for it. Ask to be checked out on safety gear including the VHF radio. Skippers want a safe boat and that means everyone should have an orientation regarding safety gear. Do not be bashful – ask. No two boats are alike. They perform differently. Therefore, the Skipper’s directions may differ.
Emergencies rarely happen. Nevertheless, you should know where the life jackets and fire extinguishers are, and how to use them. If this is your first time, be prepared. Normally, you can spot them by looking around the boat. If you do not see them, ask.
Mandatory Rule: The Skipper is always in charge and will always have the final word. Most Skippers are comfortable with an easy conversational style when all is well. They get formal and firm very quickly when all is not well. Try to understand the situation and what the Skipper wants done. The best Skippers go over in advance each anticipated evolution so the crew members can understand what is about to happen and exactly what they are to do or refrain from doing.
After reading all of the above, the whole objective is to have fun. Bring a smile, a sense of humor, and some sparkling conversation. Being outdoors and sailing with good people is a great way to spend a day. Enjoy it and help others enjoy it.
Remember: “If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right”. You are out there to have fun, but also to be safe.
Happy Sailing!
