According to The Annapolis Book of Seamanship by John Rousmaniere, yachting is over 300 years old; older than baseball, tennis, golf, and almost every other outdoor sport. Tradition in the sport has evolved as part ceremony and part necessity. Boat etiquette has been developed not to one-up your neighbor with esoteric knowledge, but rather to establish a standard set of rules and boathandling skills that instill confidence in you and your fellow boaters. Your fellow boater is someone you may need to call on in times of grounding, docking, or any number of other reasons requiring aid. It is thus wise to establish a good rapport with him by abiding to existing customs and traditions. Privacy and mutual aid are the cornerstones of boat etiquette.