What is this? Are these rules I have to
follow?
Not at all. Just the answers to questions I often get asked. The most important part is to have fun.
Is sailing safe?
Yes, especially when you’re with me. I’ve sailed since I was 12 and bought my first boat in 1977. The US Coast Guard even granted me my Captain's License! (I know, it's a government agency, what do they know?!?) The worst injury I can remember in all those years was a sunburn. It’s a shame really. I’ve got lots of emergency equipment that I’ve never gotten a chance to play with. Of course Karen swears I've had worse injuries, but since my amnesia has kicked in I can't recall any of them.
What should I wear?
Something comfortable and seasonal. A hat or cap, sunglasses. VERY casual clothes as the weather dictates, but bring a windbreaker, the breeze can make it cooler on the boat than it feels on shore. My experience is mostly within sight of Canada or actually within Canadian waters so I may not have good advice for hotter days in Florida.
What kind of shoes?
Boat shoes are best. They grip wet decks well and don’t pick up pebbles that can scar the fiberglass, but don’t buy them special. Pickleball (tennis/gym) shoes work almost as well. Avoid slippery soles, leather soles or other soles that leave scuff marks. It’s tough to get them out of fiberglass. Bare feet are OK, but watch out for the deck hardware!
How long will we be gone?
For a typical daysail, two to six hours. Due to vagaries of wind and weather changes, it’s hard to be precise. If a timeframe is important to whether you can join us, be sure to confirm details with me before we get to the marina. Keep in mind that my typical cruise follows the premise "gentlemen never sail to weather", which means we'll get back when we stop having fun or a majority agrees the sun is over the yardarm.
Not at all. Just the answers to questions I often get asked. The most important part is to have fun.
 |
| Irish Rover in her slip |
Is sailing safe?
Yes, especially when you’re with me. I’ve sailed since I was 12 and bought my first boat in 1977. The US Coast Guard even granted me my Captain's License! (I know, it's a government agency, what do they know?!?) The worst injury I can remember in all those years was a sunburn. It’s a shame really. I’ve got lots of emergency equipment that I’ve never gotten a chance to play with. Of course Karen swears I've had worse injuries, but since my amnesia has kicked in I can't recall any of them.
What should I wear?
Something comfortable and seasonal. A hat or cap, sunglasses. VERY casual clothes as the weather dictates, but bring a windbreaker, the breeze can make it cooler on the boat than it feels on shore. My experience is mostly within sight of Canada or actually within Canadian waters so I may not have good advice for hotter days in Florida.
 |
| Sailing Irish Rover is FUN! |
What kind of shoes?
Boat shoes are best. They grip wet decks well and don’t pick up pebbles that can scar the fiberglass, but don’t buy them special. Pickleball (tennis/gym) shoes work almost as well. Avoid slippery soles, leather soles or other soles that leave scuff marks. It’s tough to get them out of fiberglass. Bare feet are OK, but watch out for the deck hardware!
How long will we be gone?
For a typical daysail, two to six hours. Due to vagaries of wind and weather changes, it’s hard to be precise. If a timeframe is important to whether you can join us, be sure to confirm details with me before we get to the marina. Keep in mind that my typical cruise follows the premise "gentlemen never sail to weather", which means we'll get back when we stop having fun or a majority agrees the sun is over the yardarm.
What about bathroom breaks?
The head (bathroom) on Irish Rover does
not have standing headroom. It's easier for parties of both genders
to do all their business sitting down. Of course, males often stand
on deck facing downwind and try to increase the water depth. Women
sailors look the other way . . . it's OK for Ladies to
insist males use the head.
What about sun tan lotion?
Absolutely. Between direct sun and reflections off the water, you get about twice the UV that you’d normally expect.
What about mosquitoes, biting flies?
Generally on the Great Lakes and in Canadian waters they're not a problem, unless there is no breeze AND we're near shore. But I DO have a story to tell about this! Here in Florida, the no-see-ums can be brutal at dawn and dusk. Usually we'll return in time to avoid the pesky critters. Besides, the bars usually have screens or air conditioning and most sailors are in the bars by dusk.
What will I have to do?
As little or as much as you want. I can handle the boat safely and comfortably by myself, so feel free to be a deck potato, if you like. If you want to be more involved, be sure to say so. There’s nothing much you can break, and I won’t let you get in trouble. The objective is to have fun.
Will the boat tip over?
Nope. Trust me on this one. Can’t happen, at least not on my watch. Will it lean over a little? Yes, but it's normal, it's how boats go under sail.
What should I bring?
A camera, if you like. A book, if nature bores you. If you have a favorite PFD, sure, but I have plenty on board. A swimsuit would not be out of line, beautiful women are encouraged to dress scantily, we older guys will cover up as much as possible. Cool weather can put a damper on swimming. Any drinks or snacks if you really need to, and I’ll have beer and water available regardless. Any prescription drugs you might need while we're on the water, but bring the prescription. If appropriate, we’ll discuss meals ahead of time.
What should I leave at home?
Illegal drugs. Seriously. I mean it. Normal constitutional rules regarding search warrants, probable cause, etc., do not apply on boats. The Coast Guard, Titusville Police, Brevard Sheriff, park rangers, and all kinds of cops can board and search us at any time (that's why you bring the prescription paperwork with you). If they find illegal drugs, they will impound my boat and keep it as long as they want. Maybe forever. OK, I get it!
What else won’t I need?
Radios, CD players, flashlights, first aid kits, pets, water, glasses, plates, forks, lawn chairs, etc. In general, "less is more." If you bring anything aboard, use small, soft-sided bags. Don’t go overboard on clothes, we don’t dress for dinner on board. They did on the Titanic and you know how that worked out.
What about sun tan lotion?
Absolutely. Between direct sun and reflections off the water, you get about twice the UV that you’d normally expect.
What about mosquitoes, biting flies?
Generally on the Great Lakes and in Canadian waters they're not a problem, unless there is no breeze AND we're near shore. But I DO have a story to tell about this! Here in Florida, the no-see-ums can be brutal at dawn and dusk. Usually we'll return in time to avoid the pesky critters. Besides, the bars usually have screens or air conditioning and most sailors are in the bars by dusk.
 |
| Irish Rover's cruising grounds |
What will I have to do?
As little or as much as you want. I can handle the boat safely and comfortably by myself, so feel free to be a deck potato, if you like. If you want to be more involved, be sure to say so. There’s nothing much you can break, and I won’t let you get in trouble. The objective is to have fun.
Will the boat tip over?
Nope. Trust me on this one. Can’t happen, at least not on my watch. Will it lean over a little? Yes, but it's normal, it's how boats go under sail.
What should I bring?
A camera, if you like. A book, if nature bores you. If you have a favorite PFD, sure, but I have plenty on board. A swimsuit would not be out of line, beautiful women are encouraged to dress scantily, we older guys will cover up as much as possible. Cool weather can put a damper on swimming. Any drinks or snacks if you really need to, and I’ll have beer and water available regardless. Any prescription drugs you might need while we're on the water, but bring the prescription. If appropriate, we’ll discuss meals ahead of time.
 |
| In light air we fly the colorful drifter! |
What should I leave at home?
Illegal drugs. Seriously. I mean it. Normal constitutional rules regarding search warrants, probable cause, etc., do not apply on boats. The Coast Guard, Titusville Police, Brevard Sheriff, park rangers, and all kinds of cops can board and search us at any time (that's why you bring the prescription paperwork with you). If they find illegal drugs, they will impound my boat and keep it as long as they want. Maybe forever. OK, I get it!
What else won’t I need?
Radios, CD players, flashlights, first aid kits, pets, water, glasses, plates, forks, lawn chairs, etc. In general, "less is more." If you bring anything aboard, use small, soft-sided bags. Don’t go overboard on clothes, we don’t dress for dinner on board. They did on the Titanic and you know how that worked out.
Will I get seasick?
On the Indian River??? Not bloody likely.
If we decide to sail to the Bahamas or Keys, maybe. I do occasionally get seasick myself, so here's from experience: If you've ever been carsick or airsick, you'll most likely get seasick on the ocean unless you take Dramamine or whatever. Note that motion sickness remedies must be taken at least a full hour before heading out on the water to be effective (but follow the directions on the package). I've found Dramamine (or the generic equivalent) is effective.
Are you going to yell at me?
It doesn't help, so no. I may ask you to do something. If so, feel free to ask why. Feel free to finish whatever you’re doing first. There is one exception: If I say, "Do it now, please!" then do it now, please. Also, pay attention if I say something you’re doing is unsafe. Safety issues are non-negotiable, but I can generally figure out a safe way for you to do whatever it is you want to do.
As the captain, can you perform marriages?
Yes, but marriages performed on this vessel are valid only for the duration of the cruise and the honeymoon suite/cabin on Irish Rover has no privacy whatsoever.
On the Indian River??? Not bloody likely.
If we decide to sail to the Bahamas or Keys, maybe. I do occasionally get seasick myself, so here's from experience: If you've ever been carsick or airsick, you'll most likely get seasick on the ocean unless you take Dramamine or whatever. Note that motion sickness remedies must be taken at least a full hour before heading out on the water to be effective (but follow the directions on the package). I've found Dramamine (or the generic equivalent) is effective.
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| The honeymoon suite is a bit cramped |
Are you going to yell at me?
It doesn't help, so no. I may ask you to do something. If so, feel free to ask why. Feel free to finish whatever you’re doing first. There is one exception: If I say, "Do it now, please!" then do it now, please. Also, pay attention if I say something you’re doing is unsafe. Safety issues are non-negotiable, but I can generally figure out a safe way for you to do whatever it is you want to do.
As the captain, can you perform marriages?
Yes, but marriages performed on this vessel are valid only for the duration of the cruise and the honeymoon suite/cabin on Irish Rover has no privacy whatsoever.
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