Don’t take others sailing until you are thoroughly familiar with the boat and know how to handle it under all conditions.
Don’t anchor or moor a boat where she will rest on a hard, rocky or uneven bottom at low water.
Don’t overload your boat.
Don’t sail in strange waters without a chart or a pilot.
Don’t lose your head or get “rattled.” Keep cool and use your brains and common sense.
Don’t fail to keep your gaze to windward. Seas and wind puffs come from that side.
Don’t neglect the boat or allow your attention to be distracted by your companions.
Don’t attempt to tack or go about with a large wave rolling on your weather bow. Wait for a smooth, or when on the summit of a long, easy roller.
Don’t jibe if it can be helped. It’s just as easy and far safer to wear ship.
Don’t luff a boat sufficiently to stop her headway. Keep steerage-way at all times.