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Boating etiquette

Below are some common rules that need to be adhered to whilst sailing and mooring your boat, to ensure you show other boat owners some courtesy.

Moored boats

Mooring etiquette

  • Approach the mooring area at a slow speed, to avoid creating a wake.
  • The first person in the anchorage has the right to determine the swing radius.
  • Don’t get too close to other anchored boats as sudden wind can cause damage to your boat and other boats.
  • Before you moor consider others and how they will be affected by your behaviour. If you are going to play music or are planning to have a BBQ you should be as far downwind as possible.
  • Don`t run a generator in the evening if it will disturb others.
  • Don`t leave rubbish when you leave the mooring site.
  • Be considerate of others at all times.

Passing etiquette

  • Tradition states that if you approach another vessel you should do so on the starboard (right) side.
  • Be friendly when passing but don`t be intrusive unless encouraged.
  • When overtaking, pass slowly leaving as much room as possible to avoid rocking the other boat.
  • If being overtaken you should reduce your speed to allow the other boat to pass efficiently.