All skippers have their personal lists, but here are a dozen general things to do that will make you a welcome crew member or guest aboard a boat.
(1) At the time you are invited to go on out on the boat, ask the skipper what you should bring or not bring. That’s the best guide to help you pack.
(2) Pack lightly – bring as little as you can for the length of the trip, and put your gear in a soft duffle bag or cloth carrying bag.
(3) Wear non-marking rubber-soled shoes or boating shoes.
(4) Bring a small gift for the boat – non-perishable food, snacks, or soft drinks are usually welcome.
(5) Arrive at the boat at the time you were given or a little early. Call the skipper if you are unavoidably detained.
(6) Bring rainwear, even if it’s inexpensive plastic, if there’s a chance that it could rain.
(7) When you come aboard, ask the skipper what you can do to help before the boat departs.
(8) Be cheerful during the trip and show you are having a good time (even if you aren’t).
(9) Volunteer to help and ask what you can do.
(10) Don’t distract the skipper, the person at the helm, or other crew members during stressful times (docking and undocking, anchoring, dealing with nearby boat traffic, boat problems, sail changes, etc.). Try to do what you’ve been asked to do or stay quietly out of the way if you don't have a task.
(11) When you arrive at the destination or back home ask what you can do to help make the boat tidy; don’t just jump ship.
(12) If appropriate, offer to take the skipper (and first mate, if there is one) to lunch or dinner as a “thank you,” and so no one gets stuck in the galley upon arrival.
(1) At the time you are invited to go on out on the boat, ask the skipper what you should bring or not bring. That’s the best guide to help you pack.
(2) Pack lightly – bring as little as you can for the length of the trip, and put your gear in a soft duffle bag or cloth carrying bag.
(3) Wear non-marking rubber-soled shoes or boating shoes.
(4) Bring a small gift for the boat – non-perishable food, snacks, or soft drinks are usually welcome.
(5) Arrive at the boat at the time you were given or a little early. Call the skipper if you are unavoidably detained.
(6) Bring rainwear, even if it’s inexpensive plastic, if there’s a chance that it could rain.
(7) When you come aboard, ask the skipper what you can do to help before the boat departs.
(8) Be cheerful during the trip and show you are having a good time (even if you aren’t).
(9) Volunteer to help and ask what you can do.
(10) Don’t distract the skipper, the person at the helm, or other crew members during stressful times (docking and undocking, anchoring, dealing with nearby boat traffic, boat problems, sail changes, etc.). Try to do what you’ve been asked to do or stay quietly out of the way if you don't have a task.
(11) When you arrive at the destination or back home ask what you can do to help make the boat tidy; don’t just jump ship.
(12) If appropriate, offer to take the skipper (and first mate, if there is one) to lunch or dinner as a “thank you,” and so no one gets stuck in the galley upon arrival.
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