On our cruise this summer we met several couples who practiced what they called "captain for the day." Each day they would switch out who had the captain's responsibility, launching and docking the boat (or hauling and setting the anchor), choosing the destination and the route, calling for sail trim adjustments, when to reef, and generally having primary responsibility for the boat. Have you and your spouse or significant other ever tried this? If so, how has it worked out? Did you both learn from it or were there problems that caused you to stop? If you've never tried it, how do you think it would work on your boat? Share your views on the captain for the day concept and be sure to vote in the Quick Quiz on the bottom of the home page. (Quiz by Gary Wyngarden)
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It brings back great memories
When my wife and I were much younger, we took the US Power Squadron basic course. In those days it combined seamanship and piloting. My wife scored higher on the piloting and I scored higher on the seamanship. So for a number of years, we took turns being skipper for a week during our annual holiday cruise. That week's skipper had to make all the final decisions as to where to anchor, what sails to put up and when to power up the engine. The other person being crew had to do much of the work involving the sails and the anchor, also docking. Today we seem to fall into a habit of me (the male) handling the wheel and some of the sails but my wife does all the navigation and at times some of the sails. She worries about the dinghy and I worry about hitting the dock. I do the anchoring while she is at the wheel and does the deciding where the anchor goes. Our jobs have evolved from forty someyears of cruising together. But there is a humorous story about all of this. She was captain for the week and I was the crew. We were anchored in a long narrow harbor just south of Ganges in British Columbia, Canada. She started the engine that morning and when it was warmed up, she told me it was OK to pull up the anchor. For some reason I was not a very good crew member that morning and I let the belly of the line fall overboard in which some of it reached the prop which she had going forward slowly to help me retrieve the anchor. As soon as she heard something amiss, she cut the engine. We (meaning me) had fouled the prop. I still had some line to pull so the anchor was still doing it's work but we had very little scope. My wife said that it wasn't a big problem. We would raise the sails and after pulling the rest of the anchor, sail to Ganges and have someone dive and clear the prop. With husbandry scorn, I said that was a terrible idea, how could we sail out of this little cove and besides, Ganges probably didn't have anyone who could dive on our prop. What a dumb idea. I then decided I would swim down and clear the prop. I put on my swiming trunks, hardly ever used. I got into the Avon dinghy and eased myself overboard. British Columbia had not paid their collective water bill that month and the water was icy cold. My legs shrunk and as I got down to my waist, my breathing practically stopped. With great presence of mind, I tried putting on a T-shirt to stay warm which of course did no good whatsoever. My wife concerned, talked me out of the water. As we sat in the dinghy, she grabbed the boat hook and sorta poked at the prop. Lo and behold there was some give in the line. Because she had cut the engine so fast, it wasn't tight. So I pushed the boat hook and she pulled on the line and we pulled 200 feet of anchor line past the prop. Once the prop was cleared, we motored to Ganges for we knew it had a BC liquor store and we were in need. There was a dock free which we could have sailed to and as we walked to the liquor store, there on the left was a brand new dive shop with wet suits in the window. Without a word from either of us, we walked in. I mentioned to the owner, I was surprised that such a small town such as Ganges could support a dive shop as nice as this one. He mention that it couldn't. He made most of his money clearing props on sailboats that had fouled their props but were able to sail to Ganges. My wife has said nothing about this since that time but when I tell the story, she always has a smile on her face. The moral of the story? Gentlemen, listen to your wives when they are skippers.
When my wife and I were much younger, we took the US Power Squadron basic course. In those days it combined seamanship and piloting. My wife scored higher on the piloting and I scored higher on the seamanship. So for a number of years, we took turns being skipper for a week during our annual holiday cruise. That week's skipper had to make all the final decisions as to where to anchor, what sails to put up and when to power up the engine. The other person being crew had to do much of the work involving the sails and the anchor, also docking. Today we seem to fall into a habit of me (the male) handling the wheel and some of the sails but my wife does all the navigation and at times some of the sails. She worries about the dinghy and I worry about hitting the dock. I do the anchoring while she is at the wheel and does the deciding where the anchor goes. Our jobs have evolved from forty someyears of cruising together. But there is a humorous story about all of this. She was captain for the week and I was the crew. We were anchored in a long narrow harbor just south of Ganges in British Columbia, Canada. She started the engine that morning and when it was warmed up, she told me it was OK to pull up the anchor. For some reason I was not a very good crew member that morning and I let the belly of the line fall overboard in which some of it reached the prop which she had going forward slowly to help me retrieve the anchor. As soon as she heard something amiss, she cut the engine. We (meaning me) had fouled the prop. I still had some line to pull so the anchor was still doing it's work but we had very little scope. My wife said that it wasn't a big problem. We would raise the sails and after pulling the rest of the anchor, sail to Ganges and have someone dive and clear the prop. With husbandry scorn, I said that was a terrible idea, how could we sail out of this little cove and besides, Ganges probably didn't have anyone who could dive on our prop. What a dumb idea. I then decided I would swim down and clear the prop. I put on my swiming trunks, hardly ever used. I got into the Avon dinghy and eased myself overboard. British Columbia had not paid their collective water bill that month and the water was icy cold. My legs shrunk and as I got down to my waist, my breathing practically stopped. With great presence of mind, I tried putting on a T-shirt to stay warm which of course did no good whatsoever. My wife concerned, talked me out of the water. As we sat in the dinghy, she grabbed the boat hook and sorta poked at the prop. Lo and behold there was some give in the line. Because she had cut the engine so fast, it wasn't tight. So I pushed the boat hook and she pulled on the line and we pulled 200 feet of anchor line past the prop. Once the prop was cleared, we motored to Ganges for we knew it had a BC liquor store and we were in need. There was a dock free which we could have sailed to and as we walked to the liquor store, there on the left was a brand new dive shop with wet suits in the window. Without a word from either of us, we walked in. I mentioned to the owner, I was surprised that such a small town such as Ganges could support a dive shop as nice as this one. He mention that it couldn't. He made most of his money clearing props on sailboats that had fouled their props but were able to sail to Ganges. My wife has said nothing about this since that time but when I tell the story, she always has a smile on her face. The moral of the story? Gentlemen, listen to your wives when they are skippers.
Les: GREAT story, /w a great moral. Since you've told the tale so well, I don't have to repeat the several that Maggie & I have experienced - which differing in detail, mirror the same concepts. Gord
We often do this on a charter.
When chartering, there are usually three of us couples. We share the daily tasks in much the same way as you do. One couple will be Captain & Mate while another will be meal and diswahing chores. The third couple will do ancillary stuff. We rotate these responsibilities each day, but still everyone participates when necessary soas not to overburden anybody. Although in the end, it is usually a concensus about itineray, sails, etc. When alone, my wife and I have defined roles, but always act by consensus on many decisions.
When chartering, there are usually three of us couples. We share the daily tasks in much the same way as you do. One couple will be Captain & Mate while another will be meal and diswahing chores. The third couple will do ancillary stuff. We rotate these responsibilities each day, but still everyone participates when necessary soas not to overburden anybody. Although in the end, it is usually a concensus about itineray, sails, etc. When alone, my wife and I have defined roles, but always act by consensus on many decisions.
Ditto Les
Ditto on Power Squadron, all the courses, etc. We started out with Don as Captain on the odd days and I am captain on the even days. (He gets more days when we have 31 days in the month.) After many years of trading jobs, we fell into a rut doing the jobs we enjoyed most. But when any difference of opinion does come up, a quick check of the day's date settles the subject both at home and on the boat. The bottom line is RESPECT. It makes for great sailing on the boat and at home. We've started changing places again in order to refresh our skills. It's fun.
Ditto on Power Squadron, all the courses, etc. We started out with Don as Captain on the odd days and I am captain on the even days. (He gets more days when we have 31 days in the month.) After many years of trading jobs, we fell into a rut doing the jobs we enjoyed most. But when any difference of opinion does come up, a quick check of the day's date settles the subject both at home and on the boat. The bottom line is RESPECT. It makes for great sailing on the boat and at home. We've started changing places again in order to refresh our skills. It's fun.
Sharing
This summer I moved Shannon from Wickford RI to Ft Myers, Fl. This trip was made by my 27 YO son and I. He was responsible for all Capt. activities for at least 50% of this 1650 mile trip. We did a combination of off-shore and ICW for the trip down. On the off-shore portions he had the opportunity to practice his skills with a sextant for noon day as well as star sights, and work the solution to each. By the time we arrived ghe was able to resolve the "navigation triangle" to a half mile or less. By the way, as Capt. he also did all cooking and clean up (hehehe!)
This summer I moved Shannon from Wickford RI to Ft Myers, Fl. This trip was made by my 27 YO son and I. He was responsible for all Capt. activities for at least 50% of this 1650 mile trip. We did a combination of off-shore and ICW for the trip down. On the off-shore portions he had the opportunity to practice his skills with a sextant for noon day as well as star sights, and work the solution to each. By the time we arrived ghe was able to resolve the "navigation triangle" to a half mile or less. By the way, as Capt. he also did all cooking and clean up (hehehe!)
Captain for a Daze
Yes, we tried it - several times. So far, it's led to two divorces, a mutiny in Barbados, and getting my butt kicked in the Dry Tortugas.. Call me a quitter, but no more, thanks. Cap'n Billy Savannah, GA
Yes, we tried it - several times. So far, it's led to two divorces, a mutiny in Barbados, and getting my butt kicked in the Dry Tortugas.. Call me a quitter, but no more, thanks. Cap'n Billy Savannah, GA
Won't work because . . .
Sounds like a great idea. The only minuscule flaw would be if only one person had most of the qualifications AND the DESIRE to do what takes to be a skipper. (Captain in charge). Even though we took the "Suddenly Alone" course from CCA, my bride still hasn't the desire to take aa very active role. Consequently, unless we have crew aboard, the boat doesn't move. A hilarious side note to this, is when we came back from Hadley Hbr with crew person and his wife aboard, the ONLY people who got sick in the Buzzards Bay chop were also the only two qualified to be "skippers" were the only two to get sick. We took turns being sick. The ladies did wonder aloud "What happens if you two get sick at the same time?" . . My only stupiod answer was: "Good Question!" . . Bob
Sounds like a great idea. The only minuscule flaw would be if only one person had most of the qualifications AND the DESIRE to do what takes to be a skipper. (Captain in charge). Even though we took the "Suddenly Alone" course from CCA, my bride still hasn't the desire to take aa very active role. Consequently, unless we have crew aboard, the boat doesn't move. A hilarious side note to this, is when we came back from Hadley Hbr with crew person and his wife aboard, the ONLY people who got sick in the Buzzards Bay chop were also the only two qualified to be "skippers" were the only two to get sick. We took turns being sick. The ladies did wonder aloud "What happens if you two get sick at the same time?" . . My only stupiod answer was: "Good Question!" . . Bob
Would never work on our boat!!!
My wife is very happy letting me be captain. In fact she has stated repeatedly that she has no desire to do more than stand an occasional watch. Gary
My wife is very happy letting me be captain. In fact she has stated repeatedly that she has no desire to do more than stand an occasional watch. Gary
We trade rolls freely
My husband and I have learned over the past few years what our strong points and weaknesses are. I am 'captain' as we dock and undock our P-30 as I am too small to hold her against the wind to tie her. When raising the main, I have done this once, but since I am afraid of heights and also have an old (not military) injury, Bill will do that. Most sailing he is behind the wheel and I do the sheets for tacking. I like this as does he. The one thing we do realize is "whomever is at the helm IS Captain". We adhere to that. If you don't all he** could break loose. BTW Les, loved the lesson learned. We have a few ourselves as does Gord. Patti SV Lady Di P-30
My husband and I have learned over the past few years what our strong points and weaknesses are. I am 'captain' as we dock and undock our P-30 as I am too small to hold her against the wind to tie her. When raising the main, I have done this once, but since I am afraid of heights and also have an old (not military) injury, Bill will do that. Most sailing he is behind the wheel and I do the sheets for tacking. I like this as does he. The one thing we do realize is "whomever is at the helm IS Captain". We adhere to that. If you don't all he** could break loose. BTW Les, loved the lesson learned. We have a few ourselves as does Gord. Patti SV Lady Di P-30
Unless you are training people not a good idea.
If there is a problem the Captain needs to take responsibility. This is a safety issue. Can you imagine telling the Coast Guard or your insurance company that someone was hurt or you boat sunk because you let someone else is Captain for a day because it was fun. Ouch! Sure training is good and 99% of the time almost anyone with any sailing skills can be captain but it's that 1% of the time that is the most important isn't it. If you are the senior sailor you need to be the captain. Some how I think this post got a bit too serious. Sorry, I think I will go back and watch the Giants. --Dan
If there is a problem the Captain needs to take responsibility. This is a safety issue. Can you imagine telling the Coast Guard or your insurance company that someone was hurt or you boat sunk because you let someone else is Captain for a day because it was fun. Ouch! Sure training is good and 99% of the time almost anyone with any sailing skills can be captain but it's that 1% of the time that is the most important isn't it. If you are the senior sailor you need to be the captain. Some how I think this post got a bit too serious. Sorry, I think I will go back and watch the Giants. --Dan
The whole world is not "COUPLED"
How presumptuous! The whole world is not coupled and many sailors I have met single hand frequently as I have. This question is as stupid as those "His" and "Hers" t-shirts or even worse the couples that refer to each other as "mother" and "dad". I share captain duties with those qualified to handle the boat, period. UGH!
How presumptuous! The whole world is not coupled and many sailors I have met single hand frequently as I have. This question is as stupid as those "His" and "Hers" t-shirts or even worse the couples that refer to each other as "mother" and "dad". I share captain duties with those qualified to handle the boat, period. UGH!
I kinda sorta have to agree with Steve...
I skippered my own boat most of my life. If I hadn't been able to, my late husband would not have been able to spend any time aboard during the last year of his life. I also never had any trouble turning the skippering--if not the actual "captain" responsbilities--over to anyone who was competent to assume them. EVERY spouse or "constant boating companion" should know to skipper the boat at least enough to take over in the event she/he has to...be able to use the VHF to call for help...either bring the boat to the nearest safe harbor--AND be able to park it against a dock--spend enough time practicing it to be able to take over without panicking. On a sailboat, that can mean knowing how to sail it, or at least knowing how to head up to drop the sails, turn on the engines and helm the boat. I'm well aware that not all wives want to learn to do all that...do it anyway. You're not just "cabin babes/waitresses/rail meat/ballast...you're CREW--who can't afford to be useless in an emergency. Stuff happens...and you never know when your ability--or lack of it--to take over can literally make a life or death difference.
I skippered my own boat most of my life. If I hadn't been able to, my late husband would not have been able to spend any time aboard during the last year of his life. I also never had any trouble turning the skippering--if not the actual "captain" responsbilities--over to anyone who was competent to assume them. EVERY spouse or "constant boating companion" should know to skipper the boat at least enough to take over in the event she/he has to...be able to use the VHF to call for help...either bring the boat to the nearest safe harbor--AND be able to park it against a dock--spend enough time practicing it to be able to take over without panicking. On a sailboat, that can mean knowing how to sail it, or at least knowing how to head up to drop the sails, turn on the engines and helm the boat. I'm well aware that not all wives want to learn to do all that...do it anyway. You're not just "cabin babes/waitresses/rail meat/ballast...you're CREW--who can't afford to be useless in an emergency. Stuff happens...and you never know when your ability--or lack of it--to take over can literally make a life or death difference.
Even if I'm Cap'n She's Admiralisimo, Why Bother?
Actually the guests end up with the helm on my boat so even first timers are sailors at the end of the day. The other benefit is if they are attached to the tiller they can't screw up something else on the boat while I am focused on something else.
Actually the guests end up with the helm on my boat so even first timers are sailors at the end of the day. The other benefit is if they are attached to the tiller they can't screw up something else on the boat while I am focused on something else.
Sharing Duties
No way would the Admiral "share duties." She will do light grunt work (sail cover off, put things away, etc) and maybe take the helm in very light air. Otherwise forget it.
No way would the Admiral "share duties." She will do light grunt work (sail cover off, put things away, etc) and maybe take the helm in very light air. Otherwise forget it.
not yet but maybe
My wife sailed with me on a small boat several years ago, then we were boatless for about 15 years. I have just started sailing again in the past 3 years. She has yet to join me, but is heading that way. Anyhow, I do take others with me. I trailer sail, so give the crew duty at the dock with launching, then give them the initial plan for motoring out then setting sail. While motoring, I typically let them take the helm and give them a course to steer, teaching them about finding the wind. I raise the sails, and instruct the crew at the helm to fall off and we start sailing. I talk us through the first couple of tacks, showing them the jib line routine. I then typically switch places at the helm, and demonstrate the various points of sail, trimming the main and jib etc, reading telltales. This seems to both increase their confidence and enjoyability of the day. I try to take pictures of them at the helm, so this necessitates them taking over again. (I still feel the I am the skipper, independent of whether I am at the helm or not.) At the end of the day, I typically find others at the helm, and making good decisions, without my input. As we head in, I start the motor, then head forward to lower the main, and furl the jib. That job done, I take over the helm to kiss the dock, as it is the skipper's privilidge to put his boat on the putty! The crew takes the lines and secures the boat. I think at the end of the day, everyone has acquired skills of sailing, tolerance, ability to teach, but most of all sharing a wonderful sail. (Otherwise it would feel that I was givng boatrides and I hate giving boat rides!)
My wife sailed with me on a small boat several years ago, then we were boatless for about 15 years. I have just started sailing again in the past 3 years. She has yet to join me, but is heading that way. Anyhow, I do take others with me. I trailer sail, so give the crew duty at the dock with launching, then give them the initial plan for motoring out then setting sail. While motoring, I typically let them take the helm and give them a course to steer, teaching them about finding the wind. I raise the sails, and instruct the crew at the helm to fall off and we start sailing. I talk us through the first couple of tacks, showing them the jib line routine. I then typically switch places at the helm, and demonstrate the various points of sail, trimming the main and jib etc, reading telltales. This seems to both increase their confidence and enjoyability of the day. I try to take pictures of them at the helm, so this necessitates them taking over again. (I still feel the I am the skipper, independent of whether I am at the helm or not.) At the end of the day, I typically find others at the helm, and making good decisions, without my input. As we head in, I start the motor, then head forward to lower the main, and furl the jib. That job done, I take over the helm to kiss the dock, as it is the skipper's privilidge to put his boat on the putty! The crew takes the lines and secures the boat. I think at the end of the day, everyone has acquired skills of sailing, tolerance, ability to teach, but most of all sharing a wonderful sail. (Otherwise it would feel that I was givng boatrides and I hate giving boat rides!)
Off Course
My Bride and I do it all of the time! Either racing or just out for a cruise. Granted there have been times when she would have like to have fed me to the sharks, but for the most part, we have learned together, As Les as eluded too in the first posting. There are some things she does better than I, while other tasks I do... Oh, by the way, there is nothing better than having a great looking woman at the helm of my 33'!
My Bride and I do it all of the time! Either racing or just out for a cruise. Granted there have been times when she would have like to have fed me to the sharks, but for the most part, we have learned together, As Les as eluded too in the first posting. There are some things she does better than I, while other tasks I do... Oh, by the way, there is nothing better than having a great looking woman at the helm of my 33'!
Final results
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending September 12, 2004: Which best expresses your view on the captain for the day concept: 58 Don't see it working for us 21% We never tried it but think it might work well 17% We tried it and it works great 04% We tried it but we don't do it anymore
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending September 12, 2004: Which best expresses your view on the captain for the day concept: 58 Don't see it working for us 21% We never tried it but think it might work well 17% We tried it and it works great 04% We tried it but we don't do it anymore
Captain is NOT helms-perosn
While my spouse and I trade duties routinely to ensure our skills at all posts remains reasonably sharp, the bottom line is that one person is in charge of the safe operation of the boat. We have mutually agreed that that person on our Catalina 25 is me. However, when she is at the helm she makes captain-like decisions, and as long as rules and safety are not in question, her decisions stand. But she expects me to be captain and over-ride her decisions if I think it prudent. As a new sailboat owner, I don't pretend to know all the answers. In fact, she often makes observations that cause me to change my opinion about the most appropriate solution to a problem, but I still make the final decision. In an emergency, there must always be a single person to make the final decision. Of course, I point out if I'm incapacitated, or am the MOB, then she, as second in command of our vessel, is now the captain, making all final decisions. When we take guests, we brief this order of responsibility. Interestingly, our guests seem to relax more knowing that we have thought of these things and that there is a clear line of authority even while duties get passed around.
While my spouse and I trade duties routinely to ensure our skills at all posts remains reasonably sharp, the bottom line is that one person is in charge of the safe operation of the boat. We have mutually agreed that that person on our Catalina 25 is me. However, when she is at the helm she makes captain-like decisions, and as long as rules and safety are not in question, her decisions stand. But she expects me to be captain and over-ride her decisions if I think it prudent. As a new sailboat owner, I don't pretend to know all the answers. In fact, she often makes observations that cause me to change my opinion about the most appropriate solution to a problem, but I still make the final decision. In an emergency, there must always be a single person to make the final decision. Of course, I point out if I'm incapacitated, or am the MOB, then she, as second in command of our vessel, is now the captain, making all final decisions. When we take guests, we brief this order of responsibility. Interestingly, our guests seem to relax more knowing that we have thought of these things and that there is a clear line of authority even while duties get passed around.
No interest
I would love to have my wife be interested enough in the boat to want to be Captain. Unfortunately, she isn't. She suffers my love of sailing as a burden of marriage. 'nuff said.
I would love to have my wife be interested enough in the boat to want to be Captain. Unfortunately, she isn't. She suffers my love of sailing as a burden of marriage. 'nuff said.
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