Don’t make your first invitation the last!

For many, the first experience with a boat is most likely with a ferry to an island vacation, or with a tender or dayboat to a similar destination. With these blue collar vessels, no consideration is needed and anyone can just hop in and hop off with luggage in tow. Much more care is definitely warranted when the yacht belongs to a friend or family – think of it as being invited to their home, as opposed to staying at a hotel. And like all guests, how you behave will determine the frequency of your invitation! Luckily, being a great guest is not difficult, so here’s what you need to know.

Get to know the boat

Every boat owner loves talking about their boat.  It’s a passion with a lot of stories, after all. Even relatively new boaters will have much to tell after a few trips under their caps. So get to know the boat you’re invited to. Is it a sailboat or a power boat? Is it a cabin cruiser, or a flying bridge? You can then look it up and prepare for the trip a little better. Additionally, it opens up a host of other questions, like why they chose this vessel, or what they like about her. You may even pick up some tips if you’re interested to go shopping for one yourself.

Put your best foot(wear) forward

This is the most important unspoken rule to being a guest – always ask before you wear shoes on board. If permission is given, bring boat shoes by default. After all, they aren’t named so without a reason. Boat shoes are not only non-slip and have non-marking soles, but are also highly fashionable. Any other footwear should have both these features, and if you don’t have one, going barefoot is always an option.

Dress for the occasion

Putting fashion aside for a moment, the main thought behind dressing for a day out at sea is to stay comfortable. In lieu of this, layering is the way to go. It can get quite cold even on a hot day when the yacht is at speed, and even colder if you are wet from watersports. Bring a jacket to stay warm, and if the forecast calls for rain, pack accordingly. You don’t want to impose on your host for extra clothes and the like.

Stock up

Just like any guest should, don’t come empty handed. Bring a bottle of wine, or some snacks along to contribute for the day. Depending on the boat, it may not have refrigeration so bring something hardier. While you’re there, bring along seasickness pills, and a bottle of sunscreen. The water really does reflect run rays quite strongly, and seasickness can affect even seasoned boaters. Take care of yourself, and not only will you have a boatload of fun, it also means your host can host better.

 Help out!

You’re there as unpaid help after all. Kidding aside, do lend a hand anywhere you’re able to. From simple landlubber chores like preparing food and drink, to salty tasks like tying off a boat and making ready the fenders, there are a lot of things even a beginner can do on board. You’ll have fun, and learn a few skills along the way.

If we were to summarise this short article, it would really be to use a bit of common sense, and sprinkle that with some good manners. Your host will love you, you’ll have a better time for it, and you may even be invited more often in the future. We also have a more comprehensive list of items you should take on board with you if you wish to get better prepared for your inaugural boating trip.