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Three Sheets in the Wind: The Ultimate Guide to Sailing and Sobriety (or Lack Thereof)

Rubén Darío

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Sailing and drinking have gone hand in hand for centuries. From the Vikings who raided coastal villages with their mead-filled horns to the British Royal Navy sailors who were given a daily ration of rum, alcohol has always been a part of the sailing experience.

But what happens when you have one too many and find yourself three sheets to the wind?

Three sheets to the wind is a nautical term that means "very drunk." It comes from the old sailing days when ships had three sails on each mast. If all three sails were loose and billowing in the wind, it meant that the ship was out of control.

Three Sheets in the Wind

by Norman Thelwell

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	24357 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	208 pages

In the same way, if a sailor was three sheets to the wind, it meant that he was so drunk that he was unable to control himself.

Sailing while intoxicated is extremely dangerous. Alcohol impairs your judgment, coordination, and reaction time. This can lead to accidents, injuries, or even death.

According to the United States Coast Guard, alcohol is a contributing factor in nearly one-third of all boating accidents. In 2019, there were 613 boating fatalities in the United States. Of those fatalities, 198 involved alcohol use.

If you are planning to go sailing, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair your ability to operate a boat safely.

If you do choose to drink while sailing, there are some things you can do to reduce the risks:

Drink in moderation. Don't overdo it. A few drinks are fine, but getting drunk is never a good idea.
Choose your drinks wisely. Avoid hard liquor and sugary drinks. Stick to beer or wine instead.
Eat food. Food helps to slow down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Don't sail alone. If you are drinking, make sure to have a sober friend or family member with you.
Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the weather, other boats, and any potential hazards.
Don't operate a boat if you are feeling impaired. If you feel like you are too drunk to sail, don't do it.

Despite the dangers, sailing and drinking have always been closely linked. There is a long tradition of sailors drinking alcohol, both on and off the water.

In the old days, sailors would often drink rum to help them stay warm in cold weather. They would also drink to celebrate victories, to drown their sorrows, or simply to pass the time.

Today, many sailors still enjoy a drink or two while sailing. However, there is a growing awareness of the dangers of sailing while intoxicated.

More and more sailors are choosing to drink in moderation, or to avoid alcohol altogether.

Sailing and drinking can be a fun and enjoyable experience, but it is important to do so safely. If you are planning to drink while sailing, be sure to follow the tips above.

And remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution. If you are feeling impaired, don't operate a boat.

Three Sheets in the Wind

by Norman Thelwell

4.6 out of 5