1) Get lessons on how to handle the boat. Take time to go out with more seasoned sailors and ask them about why they make the choices they do. Spend time at the helm under the direction of others.

2) Learn to sail a sailing boat, so that you have a better understanding of the affect of wind and waves on a boat, and understand what it is that sailing boats are doing when manovering on the water.

3) Practice your emergency drills, including man overboard drills, with real people.

4) Always keep a good lookout and anticipate the actions of other boats, not just yours. This ain’t driving a car, you have to anticipate the possible interaction of all other boats. You can’t assume others will avoid you.

5) Have extra ways of doing things. Spare anchors, safety harness, secondary propulsion, backup battery, etc.

6) Have the ability to stop. Always have an anchor ready to go.

7) Go to sea in seaworthy vessels. Boats that will take a blow, not in little open motor boats or speed boats.