I think it's impossible to not look green when you're doing something new, so there's really no sense in trying to avoid it. Personally, I don't care what people think of me at the marina; I follow the rules, act conscientiously and as a relatively new sailboat owner I attempt to minimize the screw ups by being very cautious and by taking things as slow and as deliberately as possible. If people have forgotten what it's like to be new and don't recognize that a person may have a lot to learn, yet is careful, safe and interested in improving then they're just not worth worrying about. Every moment thinking about them is a moment not spent reflecting on the enjoyments of sailing.
Having said that, I offer the following tips:
If you're not bored, you're going too fast.
Check your boat as often as you can, or have someone else do it.
Big fenders.
Good docklines- you don't want someone else to have to deal with your problem while you are away. Don't wait until chafe turns to a parted line.
Keep your boat hook handy to push off other boats or vice versa. And buy a second.
Spend time on your boat at the slip. I work on my boat, putter around even, specifically so I will meet others at the dock. I don't attend social events because there isn't anything for my kids to do at them, so this is my way of getting to know people.
Having said that, I offer the following tips:
If you're not bored, you're going too fast.
Check your boat as often as you can, or have someone else do it.
Big fenders.
Good docklines- you don't want someone else to have to deal with your problem while you are away. Don't wait until chafe turns to a parted line.
Keep your boat hook handy to push off other boats or vice versa. And buy a second.
Spend time on your boat at the slip. I work on my boat, putter around even, specifically so I will meet others at the dock. I don't attend social events because there isn't anything for my kids to do at them, so this is my way of getting to know people.
