![\"IMG_3566\"](\"http:\/\/neverforever.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/IMG_3566.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhat to Pack<\/h3>\n
If you have luggage, bring it in a soft-sided bag, such as a sport bag or a backpack. (Bonus points if it\u2019s scrunchable and can be made small!) Space on boats is restricted, so don\u2019t bring unnecessary items, and power is generally limited so curling irons and hair dryers should just stay home. Be sure to bring polarized sunglasses, your camera (plus wrist strap), and your charging cable (if you\u2019re going to be gone for more than 24 hours).<\/p>\n
What to Wear<\/h3>\n
If your image of sailing involves women in bikinis sunbathing on the prow of a sailboat, you\u2019ve never sailed in the Pacific Northwest. The feels-like temperature on a boat is several degrees cooler than the air temperature due to the wind. Your best preparation is layers, including something with long sleeves and a pair of full-length pants. Even if you don\u2019t wear it, bring a jacket especially one that’s\u00a0waterproof. Bring a hat and wear sunglasses \u2014 the effects of sun are amplified by reflections on the water. It is possible to get both a chill and a sunburn at the same time!\u00a0Also remember you will likely get wet at some point, whether from spray over the dodger or from wading ashore when you beach the dinghy. And it’s salt water, not fresh, so choose your clothes appropriately.<\/p>\n
If you feel cold, speak up. Nothing spoils a trip like hypothermia. Your hosts will likely have spare gloves, hats, and other warm gear.<\/p>\n
Wear comfortable shoes with white or light-coloured soles. Basic running shoes are great. Don\u2019t wear heels. Don\u2019t wear new shoes that may cause blisters or shoes that might slip off your feet unexpectedly. No hiking boots, work boots, or other cumbersome footwear, please.<\/p>\n
Life Jackets<\/h3>\n
Canadian law requires your hosts to have a life jacket or other PFD (personal flotation device) for every person aboard the vessel. Whether you wear it or not isn\u2019t entirely your choice, however. Some boaters will insist you wear a PFD; others won\u2019t, but will likely encourage you to do so. Respect your hosts\u2019 directions. Remember, it\u2019s your life they\u2019re trying to protect.<\/p>\n
Our friend Tim, a very experienced boater, always gives a friendly but thorough briefing before his boat leaves the dock. As a guest, you should know where the fire extinguisher is, where the first aid kit is, and where the emergency equipment (such as flares) is. If your hosts forget to show you, don\u2019t hesitate to ask. Your hosts may also show you how to make a mayday call on the VHF radio. (Don\u2019t use the radio otherwise: by law, you need an operator\u2019s certificate to use marine radio.)<\/p>\n Your hosts may also go through a quick man overboard drill with you. No one likes to think about someone going overboard, but it\u2019s always a risk. Pay attention to the drill and know where the equipment is. Yes, it\u2019s rare for someone to fall in the water, but preparation can make the difference if it should happen.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re going out with experienced boaters, they\u2019re capable of operating their boat on their own, so your assistance isn\u2019t required although your help is welcome. If you want to help, though, ask before you get involved. Changing a crew\u2019s routines unexpectedly can cause problems.<\/p>\n Once the boat is underway, if you want to help with trimming the sails or taking the wheel, just ask. It\u2019s almost never a problem for someone else to take the helm, and extra hands are always welcome on a sailboat. If you\u2019re not sure what to do, please ask; your hosts won\u2019t know what you don\u2019t know if you don\u2019t ask. But remember, sitting back and enjoying being a passenger is perfectly acceptable too.<\/p>\n On the boat deck, there\u2019s one important rule: one hand for the boat and one hand for the task. If you walk forward from the helm, keep a hand on the life lines or the grab bars as you go. It\u2019s just good safety.<\/p>\n Boats have lots of moving rigging. Whether it’s the anchor chain or the various lines and sheets on a sailboat, moving parts can quickly and easily turn an enjoyable cruise into an emergency. Know how to use the winch or windlass safely before you lend a hand, and make sure everyone else around you knows what you are going to do.<\/p>\n Getting away from and returning to the dock can be stressful moments. If your hosts ask you to hold a line or step off the boat, be sure you understand what they\u2019ve asked you to do and that you\u2019re prepared to do it. Don\u2019t try to be heroic: you put yourself and others at risk. On a boat nothing can be fixed by suddenly doing something unexpected.\u00a0Stay calm and follow instructions. If someone on the dock offers to take a line, hand it over only when the skipper\u00a0says to do so. Onlookers are often eager to help but don\u2019t always know what the person operating the boat needs. The person at the helm ALWAYS gets to direct.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nSafety Brief<\/h3>\n
Lending a Hand<\/h3>\n
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