P is for Pirate

P is for pirate, and in this case is also for privacy. Living on board in a marina brings with it social rules and boundaries as unique and varied as the inhabitants themselves. For example, when walking down the dock you glance at boats, but what if they are aft first and the companionway is open? Is it ok to look quickly? Should I walk eyes forward till safely past? And what if I accidentally do look and someone is looking back? What is the protocol? Does that change if it’s a guy or girl?

How do you handle the friendly company who strolls up at inopportune moments? You can’t ignore them, they know you are there. And don’t get me started about the guy in a dingy rowing up and knocking against the hull. He’s been watching and has picked his moment.

Last but not least is the ‘wanderer’. He pops by to say hello and though you are busy he can’t move on because he’s walked from three docks away and he knows you wont just send him all the way back without at least some conversation!

It took me a long time to realize that I’m in their world now and I’m the social misfit here. You can’t apply suburbia rules to this dock camaraderie. It won’t work and probably shouldn’t. There is a pirate code of behavior. It’s not always proper or convenient, but it’s heartfelt and honest. 

Not a bad trade off I think.