MCA Editorial·July 2026
Etiquette on the water is quiet, considerate and consistent.
It's how experienced boaters recognise each other without saying a word.
The best cruisers arrive gently and leave quietly.
Arriving
Slow speed. No wake. Anchor at a respectful distance from boats already there.
The people who got there first earned the good spots.
Noise and Lights
Voices carry across water further than you think. So does music.
After sunset, keep both low. Anchor lights on, deck lights off.
Marinas and Public Jetties
Fuel dock is not a car park. Public jetty is not private.
Use it, be quick, be neat, be gone.
Leave No Trace
Rubbish comes home. Waste stays in the tank until it's pumped out ashore.
Anchorages don't stay beautiful by accident.
Reputation on the water travels faster than any boat.
Things to Think About
- Do you approach anchorages at truly no-wake speed?
- Would your voice and music sound different from another boat?
- Would the anchorage be cleaner or worse for you having been there?
Key Takeaways
- Arrive slow and anchor with respect.
- Voices, music and lights carry — dial them down.
- Leave every anchorage as good as you found it.