Cruising's Little Instruction Book

[belizesailor]

I recently ran across a book titled "Life's Little Instruction Book" in a marina's lending library. Lots of amusing and insightful sayings about life, written by a father for his son. It dawned on me that something similar might be useful for cruising, especially for those new to, or considering, the life style. And what a better place to share these insights than right here on CF.

So, I will make a couple of separate posts on this thread to get us started....

[belizesailor]

"Beware the starving gringo."

Those who have not lived in a developing country are often initially concerned about the locals ripping them off, and this may be an issue in some venues, but there is another category of person of which they should be wary...."The Starving Gringo". Almost every popular cruiser/gringo venue has at least a few. Remember, desperate people will do desperate things.

[belizesailor]

"Never lay tools on, or dangerously close to, the object on which you are working".

Especially applicable to things like batteries, engines, electrical panels or other electrical components...

[carstenb]

Always pee to the lee side

[msponer]

"There's nothing worse than bad crew"

[belizesailor]

"Be polite and patient with officials regardless of the circumstances".

When you are clearing in or out of a foreign port, remember that the officials are in effect demi-gods who can easily ruin your whole day and then some. And you have zero effective recourse. Don't piss them off. It will make both your day and their day much more pleasant.

[Ram]

try and keep the top side up and the bottom side down

[tamicatana]

"Everything costs twice as much and takes three times as long."

"An adventure is defined as what happens when things mess up."

"It is a bad idea to sail to a schedule."

[islander20]

"The cost to install an item will usually be equal to its purchase price"...read that in a Hal Roth book, so far its been true

[Snore]

The difference between an ordeal and an adventure is attitude.

[onestepcsy37]

attitude. the difference between an ordeal and an adventure.

[deckofficer]

Thru-hulls can sink hulls. Inspect those inboard hoses and fittings.

[1980240D]

When someone yells "heads up" you better duck.

[delatbabel]

Some rules from SV Chiara Stella, some serious some not so much:

At sea, nothing is to be placed on the navigation table that is not for the purpose of navigation. Chocolate is a useful navigation aid.

Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone.

Some people need to be told. Some people need to be shown. And some people need to p** on the electric fence just that one time.

No bilge pump is as fast as a frightened skipper with a bucket.

No anime allowed. If your eyes are bigger than your mouth, you can't come on board.

[belizesailor]

"Don't chase airplanes with sailboats"

Corollary to "never sail on a schedule".