Etiquette advice from the Cape Town Sailing Academy for those sailing on unfamiliar boats

• Arrive early, not at the last minute, especially if you are in a race.
• Ask beforehand what food and drink you can bring.
• Once on board, familiarise yourself with the boat and help prepare the boat for your sail/race etc.
• Ask the skipper to give you a 'safety briefing'.
• Be enthusiastic and don't be lazy.
• If you feel seasick, tell the skipper timeously and if you need to vomit then use the 'leeward side' of the boat.
• After completion of your sail & you are safely back at the mooring, offer to wash & clean the boat and pack up the sails etc. Don't just 'make a duck', unless you have an emergency.
• Offer to buy the skipper a drink.
• Treat the yacht as though it were your own boat, so keep it clean and tidy.
• Remember 'everything in its place and a place for everything'.
• If you break anything accidentally please tell the skipper / instructor.
• Always wear 'non marking' shoes on the boat.
• If you are on a sailing course you are expected to wash the boat on the outside and clean up inside after every day on the water. This is not negotiable!
• Wherever possible use the shrouds, not the guardrails, when you step on board.