Don’t ever ask your sailor what time she’ll be home. She has absolutely no idea, and you will annoy her the more you ask.
Don’t start planning some romantic vacation in Europe. Your sailor has a romantic vacation planned, but it does not involve drinking wine in a cute café in Paris. It involves drinking sun downers in the cockpit of a charter boat in the BVIs. Make it work.
Nate and Merihelen Owens are a couple who successfully dated and married as sailors.
Don’t get upset if you’re given a horribly inappropriate nickname. Boat nicknames can be relevant when you’re on the water, but absolutely humiliating when off. Like my friends “Floater,” "Tea Bag," and “Bear Paws.” Get used to saying the words, “it’s hard to explain to non-sailors.”
Don’t ever ask how long it’s going to take to get to St. Michaels. It will just end up in disappointment on both ends.
Don’t be a beer snob. Boat beer is meant to be a little lame. You don't have to drink it when you're off the boat.
Make sure you get along with the crew. These people have a very strong voice when it comes to your summer weekend plans. Yes, they are essentially monkeys wearing sailing gloves, but they are loveable monkeys, and you’ll have way more fun this summer if they all agree that they like you.
Get open about bodily functions. This can be as benign as asking someone to show you how to use the head before you destroy it, and go as far as having to pee off the stern while a relative stranger hangs on to your belt strap. It’s awkward, but it’s team building.
Don’t ever ask “When was the last time you did your laundry?” If you have to ask, you already know the answer. Be a doll and run a load for your sailor while he or she is on the water, will you?
Be okay with houseguests. The crew is in town for a regatta, or some cruising buddies need a place to stay while they weather out this storm. Either way, now that you’re dating a sailor, you may be off the market, but your couch is still up for grabs.
