Most useful sailing tip.

Great question with good responses, my contribution:

1) reef early, it's easier and no slower than sailing on your ear.

2) always plan the next day with tidal streams etc before you head out for an evening on the beer!
 
Imagine what it must feel like to drown - apparently it is very painful according to those who have nearly drowned. One of the worst ways to go, so try to avoid it.
 
The one who makes the most noise on a boat is not necessarily the best sailor. Don't be bullied by a bigmouth into making bad decisions.

Tim
 
A good sailor has years of experience - a bad sailor has the same experience for years. The only thing better than learning from your mistakes is learning from someone elses.
 
Reef early, reef deep, you can always shake a reef out easier then getting one in when it's blowing hooligans!
 
Sort out your reefing, so you can sail upwind in a blow, and do it sometimes when you don't have to. And "keep a port under your lee", that is make a mental note of where you would run to for shelter. The first rule always has to be "don't fall off the boat". Serious ground tackle helps sleep. You must be able to navigate with a broken pencil, one day with no electronics you'll have to do it.
 
Stokey's Rule: "Reef the moment you first think about it, and don't un-reef 'till you've had a cup of tea!"
Chompy's Absolute: "Sail smart and save the effort"
Crazy Paddy's Dictum: "Gentlemen don't beat". This came from the lips of a man whose motto was "I put it up and God'll get it down" WRT spinakers!
The Grey and Bearded One's Threefold Rule of anchoring: "One can never too much gear, too big gear, or too much scope"!
 
Not particularly sailing but esp under power at close quarters.....Never underestimate the power of the current to trap you into problems. At sea your mistakes will often go unoticed, and unpunished, in harbour there is always someone there to see, or in the worst case, hit.
*If in doubt pass behind that boat.
*Chugging along under perfect control upstream, then turn downriver and suddenly you are drifting, helpless.
* "Not much flow here - just grab that mooring" - arms pulled out of their sockets!
* "There is a bit of tide under us, but the boat in front is 25 yards away, we can't possibly hit it" Yep I can.
* "Lets go in with the tide, a heavy burst of astern should bring us up nicely" etc, etc.
 
Never start a voyage with a wet bum.
Under power, always try and hit the other boats as slowly as possible.
When the electronics fails remember Osrams's law: If it doesn't work, switch it on.
If you're wondering whether to reef, then you should have done it already.
 
Stay on the boat: there's a 1000metre sheer drop beyond the rails, trust me!

Stay with the boat: if you've taken care of her, she'll take care of you.
 
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Ok Guys and gals. If you were asked to set out your most useful sailing tip for someone who was on a learning curve at Day Skipper or Coastal Skipper level - what would it be? No limtitations on your input other than an appreciation of what would leave a memorable impression on the recipient. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

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KISS

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmwah! X
 
Even if you are not the skipper, you have a right and duty to raise your concerns. Don't always assume that others have seen a danger that you have.
 
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