There really ought to be only one captain at a time aboard a boat; often there isn't time for a decision to be made by committee. How is order achieved on your vessel? Are you a gentle, considerate, and kind captain... or perhaps more akin to Captain Pigot (a Google search will give you an idea). Rule and order, or compassion and explanation. What works for you? Tell us here then vote in the Quick Quiz on the home page. (Discussion topic and quiz by Trevor MacLachlan)
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I want all to enjoy the sail
so when possible I let others make decisions. However, when there is a potential threat to the boat or the crew my word is law, and if I am wrong it will be my boat I repair.
so when possible I let others make decisions. However, when there is a potential threat to the boat or the crew my word is law, and if I am wrong it will be my boat I repair.
only if things get critical
In the majority of days, since we sail only for fun and don't race, I'll have to bark orders only if things get critical(equipment failure/fouling; unexpected strong gust or grounding). That being said, I still have to "bark" orders to 'cabin dog' who, for some reason still doesnt get all that "helms alee/prepare to gybe" stuff because he's still not sure why he can't just walk accross the few yards of water to grab a duck floating by and usually isn't paying attention at all... ps Scolil - Love that pic of the super snark... Looks soooo much like my first boat!
In the majority of days, since we sail only for fun and don't race, I'll have to bark orders only if things get critical(equipment failure/fouling; unexpected strong gust or grounding). That being said, I still have to "bark" orders to 'cabin dog' who, for some reason still doesnt get all that "helms alee/prepare to gybe" stuff because he's still not sure why he can't just walk accross the few yards of water to grab a duck floating by and usually isn't paying attention at all... ps Scolil - Love that pic of the super snark... Looks soooo much like my first boat!
Now!...
...that the idea is said that everyone (within reason) MUST wear a lifejacket on board, has anyone been confronted with a real MOB. If so, what did you do? My sailing club has wanted to have a course for the last few years, but no one volunteers or wants to participate. Why? Are they embarrassed? I don't know! Do You? What are your experiences? I have some printed material that was sent to me that I can publish, if necessary!
...that the idea is said that everyone (within reason) MUST wear a lifejacket on board, has anyone been confronted with a real MOB. If so, what did you do? My sailing club has wanted to have a course for the last few years, but no one volunteers or wants to participate. Why? Are they embarrassed? I don't know! Do You? What are your experiences? I have some printed material that was sent to me that I can publish, if necessary!
Enjoy your day and be safe
I can be a Capt. Bligh; however, I usually sail with friends or family who know what they are doing. That helps. Sailing is fun and should stay that way. If I have a newbie on board I explain what the safety rules are. I have sufficient life vests for all passengers and will require their use if the conditions arise. The most important thing is to enjoy the day on the ocean and be safe.
I can be a Capt. Bligh; however, I usually sail with friends or family who know what they are doing. That helps. Sailing is fun and should stay that way. If I have a newbie on board I explain what the safety rules are. I have sufficient life vests for all passengers and will require their use if the conditions arise. The most important thing is to enjoy the day on the ocean and be safe.
How I was cured
While sailing on our first sailboat, a Santana 21, I would get a bit loud from time to time, usually when things were happening a bit fast for my novice brain to handle. My fed-up crew, consisting of my wife and 13-year-old daughter, cured me instantly by letting go of everything they were tending, including the tiller, folding their arms and giving me "the stare" as can only a wife and a 13-year-old girl. So far, the cure has lasted almost twenty-eight years.
While sailing on our first sailboat, a Santana 21, I would get a bit loud from time to time, usually when things were happening a bit fast for my novice brain to handle. My fed-up crew, consisting of my wife and 13-year-old daughter, cured me instantly by letting go of everything they were tending, including the tiller, folding their arms and giving me "the stare" as can only a wife and a 13-year-old girl. So far, the cure has lasted almost twenty-eight years.
Fear Of Clogs
My wife bought into that years ago when we had teens aboard. I O/H'ed a head in the middle of the night more than once. No more. I just tell everyone how much to use and to flush in between. No problems. RD
My wife bought into that years ago when we had teens aboard. I O/H'ed a head in the middle of the night more than once. No more. I just tell everyone how much to use and to flush in between. No problems. RD
Thinking Captain
The Captain who has unquestioned trust by his/her crew is one who listens and provides information when there is time keeping his/her decision to the end when it is necessary, thereby engaging the crew in the decision making process (so they think). Then when time is critical and a decision has to be made immediately, the crew is likely to accept the Captain's decision knowing that when there is time, they will be included. I think everyone can appreciate that some decisions have to be made with lightning speed. The significant point being that a Captain is viewed by the crew as having either an open or a closed mind.
The Captain who has unquestioned trust by his/her crew is one who listens and provides information when there is time keeping his/her decision to the end when it is necessary, thereby engaging the crew in the decision making process (so they think). Then when time is critical and a decision has to be made immediately, the crew is likely to accept the Captain's decision knowing that when there is time, they will be included. I think everyone can appreciate that some decisions have to be made with lightning speed. The significant point being that a Captain is viewed by the crew as having either an open or a closed mind.
Final results
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending May 11, 2008: When I'm in charge... 50% I listen to input from crew but my decision is final 42% I try to thoroughly explain my actions and request help if crew is up to it 08% My crew had better listen, or else! 07% There’s no question from crew on how and when something needs to be done
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending May 11, 2008: When I'm in charge... 50% I listen to input from crew but my decision is final 42% I try to thoroughly explain my actions and request help if crew is up to it 08% My crew had better listen, or else! 07% There’s no question from crew on how and when something needs to be done
RE: "NO OILS" in "Boat rules for Guests"
I do not have a boat at this time, but am looking to get one by this summer. I have not owned one before (other than a fiberglass pedal boat), but my father had a small wood power boat (33 HP) when my brothers and I were growing up, and I have been on other boats (all powered except for one sail - once) owned by family and friends. With the price of gas where it is, and where it is going, as well as a desire to learn to sail, my focus has been on getting a sailboat. I am glad to see all the rules listed by various people in this thread and plan to incorporate many of them on any boat I get, regardless of type. While I can think of my own reasons for not wanting anyone to use an oil based suntan lotion (safety - leaves behind a slippery seat/deck/cushion that could cause injuries or falls overboard; attracts dirt and is harder to clean off; may stain seat/deck/cushion, especially if mixed with some darkening agent; may damage lines or at least make them slippery and hard to get a good grip on them), I am wondering if there may be some other important reason(s) I am missing?
I do not have a boat at this time, but am looking to get one by this summer. I have not owned one before (other than a fiberglass pedal boat), but my father had a small wood power boat (33 HP) when my brothers and I were growing up, and I have been on other boats (all powered except for one sail - once) owned by family and friends. With the price of gas where it is, and where it is going, as well as a desire to learn to sail, my focus has been on getting a sailboat. I am glad to see all the rules listed by various people in this thread and plan to incorporate many of them on any boat I get, regardless of type. While I can think of my own reasons for not wanting anyone to use an oil based suntan lotion (safety - leaves behind a slippery seat/deck/cushion that could cause injuries or falls overboard; attracts dirt and is harder to clean off; may stain seat/deck/cushion, especially if mixed with some darkening agent; may damage lines or at least make them slippery and hard to get a good grip on them), I am wondering if there may be some other important reason(s) I am missing?
Stay Calm!
I find a calm approach along with plenty of explanation about whats going to happen next works great with inexperienced crew and guests alike. Although I don't really need a crew on my Catalina 27 involving anyone on board with the sailing of the boat goes a long way toward an enjoyable sail
I find a calm approach along with plenty of explanation about whats going to happen next works great with inexperienced crew and guests alike. Although I don't really need a crew on my Catalina 27 involving anyone on board with the sailing of the boat goes a long way toward an enjoyable sail
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