When do cruising sailors radio in to Channel Zero?

Six typical doors:

• New or returning to it. You feel uneasy. Entirely normal.
• Constant stress in harbour manoeuvres. What was a test of the relationship becomes routine.
• Exam nerves. Your head should not be holding you back.
• The step up to something bigger. First passage without a skipper, first night sail.
• After a fright. You came through a storm; now you want the confidence back.
• Responsibility for crew and family. So everyone can rely on you.

And one more thing: for most people, months pass between two trips. That is exactly where the confidence comes from that you arrive with on day one, instead of having to rebuild it on board.