The Endeavour

Sailing tips for first-timers:

• No matter thoroughly we plan a sailing trip, weather conditions may change or cancel our plans at a moment's notice.
• Sailing is an outdoor activity, and the temperature can change quickly.  Wear comfortable clothes in layers, a wind-breaker, and non-marking deck or athletic shoes. You should also remove any jewelery such as dangling earrings and rings which can become caught in the rigging causing injury.
• New sailors will be unsure on their feet, and should wear a PFD (personal flotation device, or life jacket) at all times. There is no shame in wearing a PFD! You will notice Emmy & Matt putting them on and off depending on the conditions. 
• All children under 13 and anyone who cannot swim wears a PDF at all times when not completely below deck. No exceptions. 
• Kids should also wear PFDs at all times when the boat is at the dock, as it is not unheard of to fall from the dock itself into the water. We will be happy to bring them up to your car for you so you can put them on your kids there.
• If you bring something to eat and share, don't expect to be able to prepare it while under way. Please don't bring red wine unless you talk with Matt first, as red wine stains on teak and fiberglass are nasty. If you want to bring a beverage, beer, Scotch or champagne is always appreciated by your hosts. :)
• Read our packing list for more stuff you should (and should not) bring.
• There are no guests on board, only crew.  We're all here to have fun, but you'll need to help if asked, and possibly move out of the way quickly at times.  You'll also need to know a few emergency protocols. We recommend you pick up one or more of our suggested books or videos before your trip - like any new activity, you will enjoy it more if you understand it before you go.
• Sailboats heel over, and feel like they're going to flip.  It won't flip, but it might be uncomfortable until you realize that.  You also might get wet.
• If you want to learn how something works, or take the wheel, or handle a sail, just ask.
• If you need to use the head (bathroom), ask for a lesson on the proper use of the marine toilet first by one of the experienced crew. Improper use of the toilet can actually sink the boat, so make sure you ask for help if you have any questions. PUT ABSOLUTELY NOTHING DOWN THE HEAD EXCEPT TOILET PAPER PROVIDED FOR YOU IN THE HEAD. No tampons, tissue paper, wipes or anything else. Our last repair cost over $500 due to a misplaced tampon. 
• Watch out for the boom at all times (have an experienced crew member point it out to you). Being hit in the head with the boom is one of the most common sailboat injuries, but can be easily avoided by staying aware of the danger at all times.
• You should know where the VHF radio is, and how to use it. Ask for a quick lesson from your skipper before heading out.
• Everyone on the boat should also know how to turn the boat's motor on, and how to turn the boat around - what if your skipper falls overboard? Ask for a quick lesson from an experiences crew member before heading out.
• Offering to help with the boat before and after sailing is appreciated.  Plan to show up early and leave late.
• Always remember to "keep one hand for yourself, and one hand for the boat." This means you should have one hand firmly gripping the boat at all times as you move around deck.
• Don't get on or off the boat until the skipper says to do so. 

Seasickness

If you get carsick or airsick, you may be more likely to get seasick (though that's not always true). 

• If you want to take medication for seasickness, please try it on land first, to see how you react.  Also tell the skipper what medication you're taking (most have side-effects).
• Eat something before you get to the boat, even if you plan on feasting later.  Don't drink a lot of coffee, strong tea or alcohol, or eat particularly spicy or greasy food, before or during your first sail.
• If you have trouble with seasickness, keep an eye on solid land or the horizon. Don't concentrate on the waves or moving boats, it will only make it worse. Avoid looking through binoculars for anything longer than a glance, reading, or anything else where your eyes must be focused on a moving object. Also, do not go below deck for extended time periods, and when you are down below, try to find a porthole to keep your eyes gazing on the horizon.
• Move into a position where fresh air is blowing on your face, preferably near the boat's center of gravity, to eliminate as much motion as possible due to pitch, roll and yaw.
• Try to concentrate on something positive. Focusing on the sickness will make it worse. Taking the helm can get your mind off your sickness, and often makes you fell better as you can anticipate the movement of the boat.
• Some people find wearing an anti-nausea wristband, or otherwise stimulating the acupressure point on the inside of the forearm, three fingers' width down from the wrist crease helps to relieve nausea.
• Ginger works for many people who are mildly susceptible to motion sickness:  Ginger-ale, ginger snaps, candied ginger, etc. 

Above all, remember to enjoy yourself, and to do all you can do to make the trip enjoyable for everyone else.