Are you a Skipper or a Captain?

[jssailem]

Jackhaw started me thinking with this statement ...

SKIPPERS. Captain is an earned rank. Skipper is simply the person who's willing to assume the insurance deductible if crap goes wrong.

What gives any Sailor the right to believe he is a Captain?
I know we are not in the military. When the Coast Guard boards the boat they want to speak to the Captain. When on the water if something goes wrong the board of inquiry wants to know who is the Captain and what actions were taken. I know you can take a test to earn a Captain's license so you can charge to carry passengers. If your only sharing your boat with a few friends have you earned it?

So what are your thoughts sailors. Boat owners. Are you a Captain or a Skipper ? Have you earned it?

 

[justsomeguy]

I am a god.

 

[Scotty C-M]

If the shit hits the fan, I'm the Captain.

 

[jssailem]

So you are in charge of the boat. I understand that responsibility. So what would a skipper be? The same. Different?

 

[jssailem]

That is a bit presumptious. 'Justsomeguy'. But I'll give you your statement. What identifies the nature of this title. Don't know you but have doubts you are as accomplished as the lessons and stories I've heard in Sunday school. Or perhaps you are refering to similarities you have with say Posiden.

 

[jssailem]

I am a god.

Do like the colors of your spinaker.

 

[dhays]

I have always thought of myself as a skipper. When the CG refers to me as "Captain" I always feel like an imposter.

 

[victorhoisington]

Well, I did go through the effort and expense to get my USCG Captains license so I guess I can be called Captain. Prior to earning the right, I considered myself the skipper. Of course even as the captain, the admiral always has final say. Her request is my command

 

[Ron20324]

With 100 boats and 660 members, my IRS "non-profit" sailing club goes by the book. It considers "skipper" as anyone who owns a boat. "Captain" connotates some degree of official/legal achievement. Kind of like referring to the paramedic as a doctor- and I know the legal case behind that one..

 

[BlowMeAway]

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/captain
Given all aspects of the definition of Captain, and excluding just the military alignment, I'm gonna consider myself a Captain. I've certainly guided others, led sports teams, and purchased drinks for others at bars. Besides my German Shepard is named Skipper. It confuses the dog when others call me Skipper.

 

[BlowMeAway]

Seriously...no joke. I'm OK with being called Captain. This is Skipper:

 

[sailnoproblem]

That is a bit presumptious. 'Justsomeguy'. But I'll give you your statement. What identifies the nature of this title. Don't know you but have doubts you are as accomplished as the lessons and stories I've heard in Sunday school. Or perhaps you are refering to similarities you have with say Posiden.

Lighten up, justsomeguy was referring to the MOVIE OVERBOARD. These forums. Are getting a bit anal sometimes.

 

[rgranger]

Shades of gray for me... I grew up a huge fan of Gilligan's Island so you can call me skipper.... and I'll smile inside.

My wife probably thinks I'm Gilligan....

 

[woodster]

I am a god.

actually you are not even close....... you heathen......

 

[agprice22]

I think he is dyslexic... He is a Dog...

 

[Boomer54]

I go with Captain simply because most guests understand the term. If being Skipper gets me Marianne, so be it! Which begs the question, Marianne or Ginger?

 

[gettinthere]

I am the ruler of my domain.
Supreme allied commander
'Your Highness' will suffice for you peons while aboard my yacht

 

[flynhi4u]

Seriously...no joke. I'm OK with being called Captain. This is Skipper:

View attachment 121090

Now that is a good looking Skipper! Does he like to sail?

 

[flynhi4u]

I go with Captain simply because most guests understand the term. If being Skipper gets me Marianne, so be it! Which begs the question, Marianne or Ginger?

Definitely Marianne!

 

[JamesG161]

Having served in the USN, skipper was used more as a courteous nickname. When is came time to comply with an order we would say "Aye, Aye CAPTAIN"

I am good with the title what the USCG gave me (confirmed by my crew) when inspecting our boat "at sea".
They asked....
Who is the Captain? The crew pointed at me.

So when I set sail with a new group or friends, I stop all for the CAPTAIN'S safety lecture and explain the pecking order when it comes to the operations of the boat.

Which begs the question, Marianne or Ginger?

Both!
Jim...