First Mate 101

by Brenda Dawson

Who Should Read this Book?

Find out by answering yes or no to the following questions:

1. Do you know the procedures for leaving and approaching your dock?
2. Do you know the procedures when approaching a transient dock?
3. Do you know the procedure when fuelling your boat?
4. Do you know how to let out the dinghy?
5. Do you know how to raise and lower the anchor?
6. Do you know how to dock the boat in the event the captain is injured or becomes ill?
7. Is handling garbage on your boat an easy chore?
8. Can you tie a bowline, reef knot, round turn and two half hitches and a figure eight, sheep shank and a clove hitch?
9. Do you know how to raise and lower fenders?
10. Do you have a procedure for storing the fenders after you leave the dock?
11. Do you know how to have cold drinking water aboard?
12. Do you know what safety equipment is required for your boat andhow to use it and where it is?
13. Do you know what essentials are required in the galley and head?
14. Do you know how to keep food for several days with no power?
15. Can you read a chart?
16. Do you know how to use a GPS, Radar & VHF?
17. Do you know how to mosquito proof your boat?
18. Do you know how to keep a log and what to put in it?

If you answered no to most of the above 18 questions, you need to read this book because you are only a guest on board—not a qualified First Mate.

If you answered no to some of these questions, you are almost a first mate and still need to read First Mate 101.

If you answered yes to all these questions, congratulations you are probably a qualified First Mate. However, a First Mate can always learn more and will probably pick up some helpful hints in First Mate 101.

Buy "First Mate 101"

The things I don't know about boating could fill a book. Well, I found that book! "First Mate 101" has all the confidence-building detail you need to go boating like a pro. Get an e-book copy of "First Mate 101". A great gift for your crew - um, I mean Commodore.

Boating Tips for the Crew (Commodore)

Read embarrassment-saving tips and tricks from the lady with a lifetime of boating experience.

You no longer need to be afraid to venture out to pick up a dock line. Brenda Dawson will show you and your captain the way to smoothly and quietly dock any size or type of boat without you being a 'mind-reading bionic woman'. No yelling. No embarrassment.

Brenda describes all the tips and tricks to manage both the interior and exterior of your boat/yacht. Don't go cruising without it!

How to..

1. Claim your place on board and be the kind of First Mate
   who knows how to 'dance' with their Captain.
2. Maximize the limited space on your boat.
3. Keep ice for 11 days in a cooler.
4. Dozens of innovative tips on how to store everything from food, equipment, bedding, furniture to all the other comforts of home that you want to take boating.
5. Work the ropes, the anchor, bow line, stern line, spring lines, tow line and even rafting lines (and know what the heck all of those lines are!)
6. Present yourself as that incredible couple to the others in the marina. (sure beats being exposed as a 'newbie')
7. Learn what the correct 'boating etiquette' is when docked in the harbour.
8. Manage and store canvas to keep it long-living and quick to put up and take down (great for when bugs come!)
9. Deal with the bugs!
10. Choose footwear (who would've thought!)

And much more. With knowledge, you’ll gain confidence, and with confidence you’ll have more fun. The best boating is all about 'Family fun afloat'.