WINPIPE SHIP'S ARTICLES How to avoid Keel Hauling, Walking the plank, Flogging & other nasty traditions of the sea.

When friends visit us aboard Winpipe, there are some things that have to be understood regarding good conduct aboard & the proper running of the yacht for the safety & enjoyment of all. As some of our guests are non-sailors, it is especially important to let people know that certain things are done "aboard ship" that may not be familiar to them. Through experience, we have found that our "Ship's Articles" are a good way to address those items that are important to be clear about, rather than to risk problems that might arise that could have been avoided. Welcome Aboard... We are pleased you have accepted our invitation to visit & sail with us aboard Winpipe, as this way many wonderful memories are made. Winpipe, is a Beneteau 361 built in South Carolina in May 2001 & is a Canadian Federally documented vessel registered by her name. Beneteau, is the largest manufacturer of sailboats in the world, and can boast of yachts sailing in all parts of the world, and some that have even circumnavigated the globe. Our future plans for Winpipe are to head South toward destinations in the Florida Keys, the Bahamas & then eventually down island to the Caribbean for an extended number of years. As sailboats have many important issues involving procedures which some people may have never have encountered before, the following rules are to be observed, in order to provide for the safety & enjoyment of everyone aboard. Guests aboard Winpipe, are to be aware of the following: 1) Paul Ouellette is the Captain of Winpipe (appointed by Admiral Mary) and his orders are to be promptly acted upon, to ensure the proper running of the yacht and the personal safety of all those aboard. Guests are to be "understanding" pursuant to the Captain's occasional use of abbreviated language, as matters may arise that could require quick action to sail properly or avoid difficulties. When the yacht is in motion, please listen carefully to the Captain's instructions as mistakes can be costly. A 13,000 lb boat can have great momentum, and those who put flesh before fiberglass are inviting a painful lesson. 2) Personal Floatation Devices (life jackets) are to be worn by children & those who cannot swim at all times when away from port. Particular respect must be given to the Detroit River, as due to the undertow, should someone fall overboard without a life jacket on, they're as good as dead. Capt. Paul will advise everyone where the life jackets are kept. 3) Guests are urged to "stay aboard" Winpipe, until we return to port. Should anyone elect to do otherwise, Winpipe will immediately be put into irons (bow into the wind) to stop the boat, and we will strike the sails as quickly as possible. Floatation devices will be thrown to the individual in the water to assist as necessary, & bring the person back aboard using the ladder & swim platform at Winpipe's stern. In the event that a child falls overboard, we will select a volunteer who shall be designated to dive in & assist, (if required) as we do not want everyone diving off the boat at once. Please remember the golden rule of sailing..."one hand for you & one hand for the boat". 4) The head (marine toilet) is one of the most dreadful devices ever invented by man, and has enough design nuances to frustrate & embarrass almost everyone. The most important rule regarding the head, is that "nothing" is permitted into it, that has not been eaten first. Guests are requested to use a shore based facility before we depart from the dock, as this will enable us to minimize the use of the head. Please be aware that leaving the valve on the head in the wrong position can flood the boat, and so for obvious reasons, guests are strictly forbidden from using the head, until they have first passed the "toilet training" course taught by Admiral Mary. 5) Shoes that will mark the deck of Winpipe must be removed prior to boarding as soft soled deck friendly footwear is required. Those who do not have deck-shoes and elect to go barefooted, are putting toes at risk, and are hereby warned to be careful. Guests are reminded that hatchcovers (are very expensive &) will not support the weight of an adult. 6) Drinking to become intoxicated is permitted under the law while in port or at anchor. While under way, consumption of alcoholic beverages is an offense & therefore steps must be taken to ensure that the authorities do not catch us. 7) "Boat Bites" are a common problem aboard sailboats, and those who are in a hurry to move about the boat, are particularly at risk. It is wise to "watch your step" and be aware that Winpipe's fiberglass deck is similar to a polished gymnasium floor, & is very slippery when wet. The boat can also move about beneath you while at the dock, so please be careful. 8) Seasickness is caused by the unaccustomed motion of the boat, and is made worse by nerves, hunger and cold. Keep warm at all times & have something to eat (crackers) to reduce the possibility of being sick. Nerves are another matter, and are tied to a sense that the boat (and you) are in danger. If you feel "queasy", do not keep this to yourself, tell Admiral Mary immediately, get on deck (if you were below) & fix your eyes on the forward horizon with the wind in your face & relax. Until you have had the necessary experience to feel safe, the correct thing to do is to rely on the Captain to help you develop a sense of security. If Paul appears calm & in control, then don't worry, all is well. If he appears "panicked" for any unreasonable length of time, then you can puke! If you feel you are going to be sick, please get your face pointed out of the wind, over the leeward side of the boat (don't vomit into the wind) and remember you are helping nature by feeding the fish. We will do all we can to capture the moment with a photo, as sailing is a wonderful memory & should be preserved. 9) Willing hands are the means by which the boat is properly run, or a control is mistakenly thrown. In the event that Captain Paul requests your assistance, please carry out the task as necessary, and also please do not proceed on to any other things, unless instructed to do so. 10) Children are to be supervised at all times & parents are to be particularly attentive to the needs of overly exuberant children, to ensure that they will not need to be placed in the dingy & towed 100 feet behind the yacht. 11) Guests are urged to be prepared for changing weather conditions as staying warm & dry are important to enjoying your time aboard. Clothing worn in layers, foul weather gear, sweaters, long pants and a hat (to avoid too much sun) are helpful to have available, and will help insure your comfort. 12) Food aboard has always been a subject of discussion among sailors, and guests are encouraged to bring snacks to share with the captain & crew. As some things are boat friendly and others are not, we advise "in advance" that there are some items that will be left at the dock, such as... Items in glass, (drinks should be in plastic or cans) peanuts in shells, cheesies, sunflower seeds, gummy bears, and other sticky, greasy, or messy foods will not be allowed on the boat. Guests are reminded that all leftovers are the exclusive property of Winpipe & her future guests.