Rules for Guests coming aboard "Dragonfly"
We occasionally invite friends to crew with us for a day sail. We have a few simple rules that we ask guests to consider before they accept our invitation.
We sail to relax and have fun! Please leave your work at home. No cell phones/pagers while sailing. We have appropriate communication equipment.
"Can you swim?" If no, on goes the life jacket!! We expect you to wear it from the time we leave until we return to the dock. We have vest type jackets that are very comfortable. We also require all children under 18 to wear a life jacket...unless the parents agree it is ok to be without. We have enough life jackets on board for everyone. Guests are encouraged to wear them. However, it is their decision...unless the conditions are such that the captain requires everyone wear one.
We sail in all but the most extreme weather conditions. Please consider changing weather conditions as you pack. The temperature is often cooler on the lake. Don't worry if you forget a jacket and get cold. We have extra clothes and blankets on board. If you get to the dock and the weather really makes you feel uncomfortable, please let us know. We can take day trips at Mark Twain Lake for sight seeing and hiking. If during the sail the wind, waves and boat heeling scares you, let us know. Remember, we sail to relax and have fun! Feeling scared is not fun. We can reduce sails to make the sailing less exciting.
Wear comfortable clothes. Loose t-shirts and shorts are appropriate if the weather is warm. Bring your shorts, swimsuit and beach towel if you want to swim or lay in the sun. We often anchor in a cove for lunch. If the sun is hot and the wind is light, we may swim all afternoon. We aren't offended by skimpy or top free suits.
Remember suntan lotion. The sun is often bright and reflects off the water. Sunburns can occur quickly. Loose fitting long sleeve shirts, light colored cloths and a big floppy hat help protect your from the sun. Consider water based SPF30-45 suntan lotions. Don't worry if you forget, we have extra on board.
Wear shoes or sandals with light colored no mark soles. There are lots of things that can hurt your toes on "Dragonfly." For your comfort and safety, we request that everyone wear shoes or sandals. For our maintenance, we ask they have light, no mark soles. They don't have to be fancy boat shoes. An old pair of tennis shoes work just fine.
Work as much as you like. Sailing can be a very interactive sport. If you want to participate, we will teach you how to load and grind a winch, raise and trim a sail, tack through the wind and maybe even how to tie a bowline. If you prefer, it's also ok to just sit back and enjoy the cruise.
Nothing Goes Into the Head…that hasn't passed your lips first! We'll show you how to use a marine head. If you have questions, please ask. It's not as embarrassing to ask as to help unplug a clogged head! Gentlemen, all sailors sit while using the head, even in port. Enough said.
Speak up when feeling ill…don’t go below to lie down. We don’t want your lunch to came up all over the seat cushion. We have strategies to reduce feeling sea sick. Enough said.
Other things to consider... If I hear one splash, I want to hear two! If the first is a crew member, the second better be a life vest. If the first was my new GPS, the second better be the crew member!
Only first class beverages and snacks allowed.
The Capt. Suz's Rules on “Dragonfly”
- I am the Captain, What I say goes!
- Anyone who doesn't do what I say, immediately, will walk the plank!
- Anyone who spills a beer will scrub the deck!
- Anyone who spills my Bailey’s will be keel hauled!
- Anyone who asks a question will be considered a mutineer. Mutineers will be hung!
Any questions?
