This issue highlights a striking surge in first-time boat buyers and the corresponding rise in accidents as many newcomers take to the water. Safety professionals warn that a large portion of these incidents stem from basic, avoidable errors—mistakes made by people who have not received formal boating instruction or practical guidance from experienced boaters. As more people try boating for the first time, the need for accessible, effective boating education and a stronger culture of seamanship has never been greater.
Some of the most skilled captains I know learned at their parents’ knees. They inherited more than technical ability; they absorbed a mindset: respect for the boat, an appreciation for nautical traditions, and a feel for subtle aspects of seamanship that only come from time on the water. Those boaters often create relaxed, confident days afloat because their passengers sense they are both competent and considerate—qualities that reduce risk and make outings enjoyable.
I didn’t come from a boating family, but I was fortunate to be introduced to the sport at my first job out of college—working for a marine magazine. There I spent time with seasoned professionals who taught me both fundamentals and finer points. Capt. Bill Brogdon, then the Seamanship columnist, was one of those teachers. With a distinguished 30-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard, Bill shared deep knowledge of navigation and safety. He also patiently reviewed fundamentals, never dismissing questions or shortcuts. His guidance was practical and clear: if you suspect a risk, act early.
I remember cruising Tampa Bay near the Sunshine Skyway with freighters moving through the shipping lanes. When I took the wheel, I hesitated and asked if we might be in the way of a ship. Bill’s advice was simple and direct: “If you even think there’s a risk of a collision with a ship, then there probably is. Take early action.” That principle—anticipate, decide, act—remains a cornerstone of safe boat handling.
Another mentor was Betty Cook, an offshore powerboat racer who pushed the boundaries of speed and skill. When she entered the formerly male-dominated world of offshore racing in 1970 and later won her first world championship in 1977, she earned both respect and a distinctive perspective on high-performance handling. Meeting her at the Miami Boat Show in the late ’80s, I recall her practical racing advice: when launching off a wave, aim to land keel-first and avoid airborne corrections. She emphasized controlling the boat through the swell and protecting the hull—advice that applies equally to racers and recreational boaters who encounter rough water.
Bob Stearns, a fishing columnist and accomplished angler who recently passed, taught me much about fishing and practical boat choices. Bob introduced me to the saltwater light-tackle community—names like Lefty Kreh, Billy Pate and Chico Fernandez—and he reinforced the value of matching equipment to purpose. When testing skiffs and shallow-water craft, his consistent counsel was not to overpower the boat with an engine that’s too large. Excess horsepower can make poling and close-quarters maneuvering harder, and it can degrade the feel and safety of the vessel. Choose the right power for the boat and the intended use.
My education has continued through colleagues and contributors, such as Pat Mundus, who writes the Seamanship column for Soundings. Pat credits her father, Frank Mundus, with teaching her the value of hands-on learning. “He was of the ‘learn by doing’ school,” she said. “He’d let me try to figure things out first. Then he’d show me the better way. He was right. I think you learn more when things don’t work out, as long as no one gets hurt.” That balance—allowing controlled mistakes while emphasizing safety—builds confidence and judgment.
Her father also taught a lesson that applies to both seamanship and personal growth: face what intimidates you. If something seems scary, he advised, become skilled at it. Mastery erodes fear. That mindset—learning through experience, practice, and guidance—reduces panic and improves decision-making on the water.
With more people buying boats for the first time, basic boating safety, practical seamanship skills and thoughtful instruction should be front and center. Whether through formal courses, mentorship from experienced boaters, or careful, patient practice, new boaters can dramatically reduce the risk of accidents. Key lessons include situational awareness, early action in potential collision scenarios, matching power to vessel, and learning to handle waves and wakes without overcorrecting.
Have you been introduced to boating by a parent, friend, or colleague? Did someone teach you a memorable lesson that made you a safer, more confident boater? Soundings would like to hear your story. Share your experience so other boaters can learn from firsthand accounts and practical advice.
Jeanne Craig
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This article was originally published in the November 2021 issue.