6 tips to transform into the perfect boat guest

Invited to join us for a day on a sailboat? Of course, you can't say no to that! In order to be invited for a second sailing day, it is of course useful to know exactly what the etiquette is. We have put together some tips that will make you feel like the ideal guest!

Tip 1: Take off your shoes

Before you enter, it's helpful to ask that shoes be removed. Because sailboats often don't have a lot of space, they quickly get dirty. For the heel wearers among us: it is best to leave them in the closet. Not only for practical reasons, but also because heels are bad for the deck and can leave prints.

Tip 2: Gift ideas for the host or hostess

Bringing a little something for the host or wife never hurts, of course, but what exactly do you take more for a sailboat owner? For a sailor, practical, small gifts are always ideal, something for the kitchen, for example. It is important that the gift be small, since there is limited space on a sailboat. If the hosts are wine lovers, a nice bottle of wine that can be consumed at sea during sunset is also definitely not a bad idea. With this, you are sure to impress the owners.

Tip 3: Relieve your hosts of tasks

What the host or wife will surely appreciate is to offer to take care of garbage on the way home, for example, so they don't have to worry about it anymore. You can also offer to bring water or errands. That will save the host some lugging from the supermarket to the port!

Tip 4: Don't use too much water!

On a sailboat, it is important to use water sparingly because there is a limited amount of it on the boat. When the water runs out too quickly, the host or hostess has to refill it, and that can be a hassle while sailing. Therefore, make sure you don't consume too much water.

Tip 5: Bring your own towels

A trip on a sailboat often ends with a dip in the water, so it's a good idea to bring your own towel. This again saves your host's dirty laundry, as it can require a lot of work on the boat. You will definitely be doing your host a favor with this!

Tip : Ask for the toilet

Using the toilet on a sailboat is something that is different on every boat. This is why it is useful to ask your host how it all works, so you know where you stand. Especially if you are new to sailing, it takes some getting used to: often the toilet has to be pumped properly.

With these tips, you should definitely succeed in being the perfect boat-guest. Have fun sailing!