#1, February 2009,   HOW TO RELAX AND ENJOY SAILING

When speaking with many of our new boat owners the #1 question or concern that keeps coming up is "How do I get my wife / girlfriend / partner to relax and enjoy our boat?"   This page is dedicated to helping you learn enough about your new boat to be able to relax, enjoy, and have fun sailing!  I will be updating this each month, so if you have a question or concern feel free to write to me and your question may be featured next month!  cheryl@bwyachts.com

Safety First

In order to relax on a boat you must first feel safe.  Women want to protect their families, it's just built into us, so it's a lot easier for us to have fun if we feel comfortable and under control while we are on the water.  We need to learn at least the basic skills to operate the boat, especially in the rare event that something goes wrong.  It also helps a lot to understand at least the basics of sailing, even if you choose not to be actively involved all the time.

*1.    No drinking while driving!  Yes, you can get a BUI ticket.  The most important thing is that the person in charge of the boat has not been drinking and will be able to think quickly in an emergency.  Once at the dock or at anchor, enjoy that nice glass of wine!

*2.    Wear your lifejacket.  I make sure anyone under 12 is wearing their lifejacket when outside of the cabin.  I recommend that adults wear theirs when the conditions are not comfortable for them, or when you leave the cockpit to walk forward to the bow.  If sailing at night you should also wear a lifejacket at all times.  There are vests, float coats, and inflatable lifejackets that are more comfortable then the standard issue orange ones.  Look for ones that are comfortable for you and your family, if they are comfortable, people are far more likely to use them.  My grandkids love their pirate vests and look forward to wearing them.

*3.    Netting around the lifelines.  Some people like this when they have kids.  My opinion is that the netting gives you and the kids a false since of security.  Rules, "boat rules" to be exact are what I prefer.  Have fun making the rules, keep the rules easy to remember and remind the kids of the rules when they are not breaking them.   If a rule gets broken have the crew help decide on the punishment, for example the rule breaker needs to wipe down all the lifejackets once at the dock.  Our rules were simple and were talked about before we even got to the boat.   Remember the goal is to have fun when boating and to get everyone involved.  If you have little kids, a harness with a tether securely attached to the boat is the most positive way to keep them safely onboard.

        Rule 1. No one ( under 12 ) outside the cabin without wearing the lifejacket, even on the dock.

        Rule 2.  No one leaves the cockpit to go to the bow of the boat when under way, and if under 12 no one allowed to go to the  bow without an adult.  This rule solves the netting question. 

        Rule 3.  When the conditions are bad the under 12'ers stay inside or sitting on the seat in the cockpit.  Not on the stern rail seats or standing up. 

*4.    Take a Coast Guard boating class and learn how to use your boat, don't be boat furniture!  This will give you more confidence and the ability to relax and have fun.  You can also take a sailing class to gain more specific skills.  We offer Seminars in the spring that are Free to our new boat owners, try to come to them.  Our Rendezvous is also a great way to learn more about the MacGregor and sailing.

*5.    Learn when to say NO!  For example if you are tied up in a nice quiet port with your friends and they want to leave after dark to anchor out across the bay, say NO.   Don't use your boat at night unless you really need to.  Plan your trips so that you arrive at your destination before it gets dark, the speed of the Macgregor makes that easy to do.  If the weather is rough or foggy stay at the dock until the fog clears or the weather improves, even if it means changing your plans or staying another night.  Stay flexible with your plans so that you can stay longer if needed, safety is more important than your schedule. 

Safety on the boat is simple, learn the basics about your boat, stay alert, pay attention, and don't take unnecessary risks.