Leave a clean wake

The late Geoff Pack, YM editor and ocean cruiser, said that cruising sailors should ‘leave a clean wake.’ He meant that we must think about the effect our actions will have on others and make sure that everyone’s memory of us is a good one. We won’t get it right every time, but the more aware we are of what may cause annoyance, the happier we all shall be.

I proposed this article to YM half-expecting them to kick it into the high-tide sedge. They didn’t. In fact, the office descended into uproar as one hobby-horse after another surfaced. All of us are incensed by something done or left undone. Motorboaters annoy sailors, sailors infuriate motorboaters. Racers drive us nuts while maintaining a constant state of disbelief at the lack of consideration they receive. The list goes on. Here are a few pointers that may help beginners stay out of the books of hate secretly compiled by everyone who ever hoisted a sail. We expect a lively postbag. Don’t hold back!