Communicating is Key for a Day on the Water

Here in Broadneck, so many of us are blessed with boats, beaches, and waterfront access. Those who remain landlocked and seeking a maritime access point quite often find such an opportunity through friendly neighbors and friends offering a boat ride or an afternoon cruise. Such invitations come as a welcome interruption to the summer monotony of lacrosse camp, the community pool, and (groan, eyes rolling) Friday afternoon beach traffic. 

In order to maintain pleasantries on both side of the experience, it is essential to insure aligned expectations. What I mean is, before you commit to a boat ride, make sure you know what you are getting yourself into.

One valuable gem I’ve gleaned in my boating experience is that most boat owners have their own way of doing things and their own style of communication. Some boaters are afflicted with a strange tick, where upon leaving the dock, they are only able to express themselves by screaming with a vein popping force. Experienced boaters must remember that land lovers will still have to battle the salty learning curve. If you need a hand or want to have a conversation, you might need to explain things in English. 

Many local boaters take to waters for lengthy timeframes while others simply enjoy a riverside dalliance. When using terms like day sail, afternoon cruise, joyride, or a “three hour tour…” there may in fact be a great variation in the actual intended time and the actual time on the water.  Before you leave the dock, make sure that everyone aboard has an equal understanding of the timeframes and physical commitment needed for your boating experience. Many a pleasant afternoon cruise has been cut short because someone needed to be back at the dock early.

In addition to the length of the adventure, it is important to understand the intensity. An afternoon on the water could consist of a speedy run over to Cantler’s for lunch, a leisurely adult swim behind Dobbin’s Island, or a high wind sailing adventure to Kent Island and back.

Most locals have a good idea of what to expect from a boat outing but at least once a summer you hear a story about a friend of a friend who showed up for a day of fishing wearing high heels and a white sundress. (I believe Ralph Lauren advertisements have ruined the image of yachting forever.)

I have personally raced aboard a sailboat with several terrified crewmembers that have been shanghaied into participating in a regatta having no idea that we would be out all day or that the boat would be racing. They had simply been asked, “Do you want to go sailing tomorrow?” One of them had a broken finger and could not steady herself on the deck let alone help with line handling. She spent most of the day cowering in fear beneath the deck. Poor little duck had no idea watch she had signed up for.

Ultimately we want our neighbors, coworkers, and distant family members to gather on our docks and regularly enjoy boating, fishing, and sailing the way we do, without feeling stupid, startled, or scared. So we should all work together, with effective communication, to enjoy the most pleasant experience possible.

Skippers: be patient with newbies and outline the game plan ahead of time. It will be a while before they have caught up with your wisdom and experience. Passengers:  roll with the punches, wear appropriate clothing, and present your host with a chilled six-pack of something fizzy.

With a little tolerance, clear communication, and peace offerings, we should all have a fabulous time together on the water this summer.