Don’t brag about “liking to sail in storms.” Real sailors cannot have weather too fair.
Don’t sail in fogs unless you have a compass and are sure of your course.
Don’t try to sail too close to reefs, to other vessels or any other obstructions; something may fail at the last moment and a collision or wreck may result.
Don’t forget that when sailing close to land sudden puffs or squalls are more frequent than in open water.
Don’t forget that another vessel, a rock, or the shore cuts off the wind and may cause you to lose headway and then when beyond the object the wind will strike you suddenly and perhaps with dangerous force.
Don’t fail to keep everything shipshape and orderly about the boat. A snarled or kinked line is a menace to life and limb.
Don’t sail with water in the boat. Water is so much shifting ballast and is dangerous, besides being unpleasant and unnecessary. Bail the water out and keep it out.
Don’t try to save a few cents by using old, rotten, or frayed ropes. New rope is cheaper than human lives.
Don’t use a leaky boat. If a boat leaks a little in smooth water it may leak fast enough to sink when in a seaway.
Don’t sail at night without lights. You are endangering yourself and other sailors as well.