'Excuse me.'
Always carry a knife. A sheath-knife is best: there is no difficulty about opening it when fingers are cold, and it will not shut on them when you are using it.
Always carry a pocket-compass in case of fog.
In what is called a temperate climate always carry oilskins and a sou'wester.
Always carry some spare rope, particularly odds and ends of small rope; you may always want it for something. Your spinnaker gear will probably do at a pinch to replace a broken halliard or sheet.
When you are exploring and have ladies on board, do not forget to take a landing-board.
Always carry some water and biscuits when you may be out many hours.
Always have the centreboard down in coming alongside a ship. The boat will answer her helm better and steer more accurately with the centreboard down, as the wind and sea cannot push her about on the surface.