When to tip your skipper

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by SailingHarmonie

But…. When I travel to most countries without what you call “a tipping culture” I get my dinner bill, and there is 15 or 18% added for a “service fee”. What is the practical difference except in the USA the tip is optional and discretionary…

There's a world of difference.

First thing to understand is, it's not about you; or in this case, the customer. It's about the worker, and the business.

"Tipping", as promulgated in North America (Canada is nearly as bad), sets up a power imbalance that is ripe with abuse, unfairness, and falsely masks the real cost of the service being sold.

But I take it that you're fine with the added (and mandatory) "service fee"? Great. We're on the same page .

[Uncle Bob]

I would say it depends just where you plan to tip them, presumably overboard but at anchor, underway, inshore or offshore.

I'll see myself out, thanks.

[lestersails]

Interestingly, I just got a missive this morning from ASA on learn to sail cruises. They include 101 / 103 / 104 / 105 / 106 / 114. Here is an example of one:

https://americansailingvacations.com...-abacos-2024/?

They are clearly marketing them as "vacations" and the little videos emphasize the vacationing much more than the learning. There is no doubt in my mind you would be expected to tip for this. Not saying that it argues against any points that folks like Mike are making re the ethics of tipping someone who is evaluating you, but the mixing of entertainment/hospitality services with training muddles things quite a bit.