Before coming on board

Your first time sailing? Here are a few useful tips. The rules and traditions on the sailboat differ from those on land, so it's good to come informed.

1. Choose your crew and team carefully. You will spend (usually) a week with them in close quarters and will get to know their good and bad sides. If possible, choose people who are 'compatible'. Naturally, team-building outings are different - come to those armed with patience and accept that some friction is possible. The whole point is to find common solutions to problems. Your reward will be a fantastic view from the board and indelible memories.
2. The skipper is in charge. He/she bears ultimate responsibility for the safety of crew and boat. Skipper's orders should be carried out forthwith. Do as he/she says!
3. Make a checklist of clothing to bring on board with you. You will most likely need shorts, t-shirts and shoes with non-marking soles but do not forget long sleeve shirts, a light jacket (ideally water- and wind-proof), a hat, sunglasses and something to sleep in. And make sure to bring foul-weather gear: warm socks, fleece jacket, warm cap, and waterproof boots, trousers and jacket. If your programme includes a formal evening on shore, bring appropriate formal wear, ideally wrinkle resistant.
4. Good meals on board are the key to a happy cruise or race. Plan your menu before you leave home. The galley on board is perfectly suitable for normal cooking; there is no reason not to prepare your usual, time-proven meals. The simpler their preparation, the more time you will have left to lounge in the sun. Do not take so much food that you end taking it home with you - there are supermarkets in most ports, and you will also want to eat out a few times. Here are a few ideas for what to bring:
   • Pork, beef or poultry, properly cooked and sterilised at home
   • Pasta, tuna and pasta sauce (tomato sauce or any other kind)
   • Chicken cuts
   • Bean, lentil, or chick pea soup with veggies and pasta (use canned beans, not fresh)
5. About 85 per cent of people get seasick but only 10 per cent are seriously afflicted. The symptoms usually last 2-3 days, sometimes longer. They include headache, loss of appetite and tiredness; more severe cases involve nausea and in extreme cases vomiting and loss of co-ordination. If this latter forms happen to you, seek medical help. There are pills against seasickness but doctors differ on their side effects. If seasickness comes over you, move to the middle of the boat, where it rocks the least. Refrain from drinking alcohol, ideally starting 24 hours before coming on board. Stay on board, do not go below deck. Find something easy to do to occupy your mind. If that does not work try lying down and listening to music on your earphones. Avoid strong smells, and stay away from coffee, dairy products and, again, alcohol.
6. Conserve water and power on board. It is prudent to keep a reserve for unforeseen emergencies. Check water, fuel, engine oil and coolant levels daily. Check weather forecasts daily and arrange your sailing plans accordingly. If the wind is building, reef your sails before it is too late. Make sure the deck stays tidy, do not leave things lying around; they could cause injuries in heavy wind and surf.
7. Pay attention when accepting possession of a charter sailboat. You could be liable for damages that go unnoticed and unreported at the beginning of the journey. Take a close look at the deck, sails, equipment and make sure that everything included in the checklist is indeed on board. If in doubt, ask our staff.

Above all, come prepared for a uniquely relaxing experience that only a sailboat can offer. We wish you a happy outing, and will do our best to make it so!