Summer by the Coast usually means you will see a massive number of sail boats on the bay, along the river, lake, or ocean side. In August, Capitol Manners staff attended the Maryland State Junior Regatta Championships. We assisted a team prep for victory. We had a chance to talk to the young sailors whose ages ranged from 12-19 years old. These young people, who were up at the crack of dawn, tying ropes, pulling dollies, threading ring dings, raising the mast on lasers had one thing in common – bravery. The bravery to get in a boat and sail on a course with the goal of going as fast as possible as safe as possible according to the rules of sailing. It is exhilarating to watch them. It is amazing to see the youth of our time show such sportsmanship. After returning from our time talking success and manners with this group, we thought we would use our August blog to share a few lifestyle leadership tips we learned from watching these voyagers in action.
1. Respect the ramp. Good boating etiquette starts before you enter the water - at the dock. Prepare your boat and equipment before getting into position to launch. Anything else is disrespectful to fellow boaters. Leaders are respectful of other’s time and space.
2. Own your wake. The fastest way to be considered annoying on the water is to literally throw a big, obtrusive wave at another boat, swimmer, or angler. This is much more than being a nuisance. It is dangerous. Stay at least two hundred feet from the shoreline and other boaters. Leaders give other’s room to maneuver.
3. Know the rules. A good sailor is familiar with waterway markers and navigation rules, which dictate how you operate your vessel in order to prevent collision. Does the body of water you are on have a speed limit or slow-no-wake restriction? Leaders know their success depends on knowing the rules and how to succeed without cheating.
4. Do not touch other’s belongings. If you come across a boat berthed in your way or inconsiderably, don’t move it. It is extremely bad manners to touch anyone’s boat. It is also bad manners to leave all your stuff scattered about the walkway or deck. Leaders keep track of their belongings, assignments and pick up after themselves and their hands are off other’s belongings.
5. Make safety a priority. If you are the captain, you need to be prepared with the safety gear for your craft. Set a good example by always wearing a life jacket and have enough life jackets for each person onboard. Leader’s top priority is their own safety and the safety of those around them.
6. Give a wave. Boating is all about having fun and being part of the boating community. When passing another boat, give a little wave “hello.” Leaders embrace life and are friendly no matter the setting.
7. Control Your Noise. Clanging halyards and rumbling generators will quickly annoy your neighbors, so will loud music. If you are having a party – invite the neighbors over, even if they do not come, at least you would have practiced good etiquette and your noise might not upset them as much as if they had not had an invitation at all. Leaders know it is better to be kind than risk upsetting those around them.
These are all amazing life rules for anyone not just leaders. All of them put together will help you succeed in any setting. It reminds me of the sailor’s saying “I’m not afraid of storms for I’m learning to sail my ship.” That is life, right? If we all know how to sail our boat, we can navigate any waters.