We didn't sail, but we had a 42ft cabin cruiser when we got Huey and he loved it. I had to keep his life vest on him, though, because once we anchored out, he would leap into the river if there were any people out floating or swimming! I miss the boat, but not the $$ involved in keeping it up...
Some of our friends had 2 beagles that ran all over their boat, untethered, no life vests, even when underway. Scared the poop outta me.