No matter how you look at it, on a boat the skipper has the ultimate responsibility for the conduct and safety of the boat and crew. And there are as many skippering styles as there are skippers. So how do you go about giving directions to your spouse, significant other, family and friends? Are you the retiring type, hoping someone else will make the call? Or are you the embodiment of Captain Queeg, shouting instructions in a dictatorial way? Does your anxiety make others nervous, or is your poise under pressure a calming influence on your crew? Share your leadership style here then vote in the Quick Quiz on the home page.
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I always discuss my plans for the day
listen for other options, find out who wants the helm. The helmsman, may be a woman, has command of the boat for leaving the slip and settig sails and course and calling tacks. all crew are lookouts. The helmsman may relinquish the helm to anyone competent to take it. The departing helmsman always tells the new helm the course being steered. I don't need to bark commands because we are all competent sailors and yelling doesn't make anything work better.
listen for other options, find out who wants the helm. The helmsman, may be a woman, has command of the boat for leaving the slip and settig sails and course and calling tacks. all crew are lookouts. The helmsman may relinquish the helm to anyone competent to take it. The departing helmsman always tells the new helm the course being steered. I don't need to bark commands because we are all competent sailors and yelling doesn't make anything work better.
None of the above
This is nearly impossible to get right when you are answering for yourself so I got a little bit of help from the Admiral. She says none of those choices fit me exactly. She thinks my style is akin to Captain Ron except that I am a lot more prepared and careful. I guess that makes me Moderate and cool as ice under pressure. That might be a little bit hard to believe when you see me in my special sailing hat.
This is nearly impossible to get right when you are answering for yourself so I got a little bit of help from the Admiral. She says none of those choices fit me exactly. She thinks my style is akin to Captain Ron except that I am a lot more prepared and careful. I guess that makes me Moderate and cool as ice under pressure. That might be a little bit hard to believe when you see me in my special sailing hat.
And the verdict is...
I asked my crew, also known as my children, and they said in unison and immediately, "collaborative but tense under pressure". I think they are correct, and I think it's a good thing that they feel that way. My crew feels relaxed when we are cruising along, and they follow orders when the time comes for direct action and control. All in all I would say I am pretty lucky. PS. The kids are 22, 21 and 15 years in age.
I asked my crew, also known as my children, and they said in unison and immediately, "collaborative but tense under pressure". I think they are correct, and I think it's a good thing that they feel that way. My crew feels relaxed when we are cruising along, and they follow orders when the time comes for direct action and control. All in all I would say I am pretty lucky. PS. The kids are 22, 21 and 15 years in age.
Dictatorship,, most efficient way to run a ship
...benevolent dictator, but a dictator non the less.
...benevolent dictator, but a dictator non the less.
In the end....
... the term "captain" is singular, not plural. It's nice to be nice when you can, but sometimes you and the crew have to know that running the boat is not a democratic event. Having said that, I try to keep the needs of my spouse and crew in mind when sailing, but in the end, I'm responsible for their safe return....
... the term "captain" is singular, not plural. It's nice to be nice when you can, but sometimes you and the crew have to know that running the boat is not a democratic event. Having said that, I try to keep the needs of my spouse and crew in mind when sailing, but in the end, I'm responsible for their safe return....
What a great question!
Well if you ask the Admiral she will tell you I'm Captain Queeg without hesitation. The problem is I live in a family of controllers. Everyone wants to control the situation and everyone has an opinion which they believe is the right one. That doesn't lend itself to allowing someone to be in charge. My brother-in-law is very laid back and is fun to sail with as he offers opinions when ask and helps without comments. My wife doesn't want to be the one in charge but she wants to be able to give instructions that should be carried out without question. It's my challenge and I'm working hard at learning to say "Yes dear" and "No dear". It's much better now than it was when we first started sailing so there is hope. I've realized that testing different sailing techniques is not a good idea when she is onboard so I reserve that for when it's me and another sailor or at leasst someone who will follow instructions without an argument. I'm thinking of enrolling us in a sailing school so she will get a different understanding of the sport and I could use some additional instruction too. Tom s/v At Last
Well if you ask the Admiral she will tell you I'm Captain Queeg without hesitation. The problem is I live in a family of controllers. Everyone wants to control the situation and everyone has an opinion which they believe is the right one. That doesn't lend itself to allowing someone to be in charge. My brother-in-law is very laid back and is fun to sail with as he offers opinions when ask and helps without comments. My wife doesn't want to be the one in charge but she wants to be able to give instructions that should be carried out without question. It's my challenge and I'm working hard at learning to say "Yes dear" and "No dear". It's much better now than it was when we first started sailing so there is hope. I've realized that testing different sailing techniques is not a good idea when she is onboard so I reserve that for when it's me and another sailor or at leasst someone who will follow instructions without an argument. I'm thinking of enrolling us in a sailing school so she will get a different understanding of the sport and I could use some additional instruction too. Tom s/v At Last
Herr Captian Hitler
I shouldn't even get into this, methinks these feathers are easily rustled... I have been sailing a lotta years, a skipper most of them, yes, a licensed skipper, and if my crew/friends want to irritate me they call me "captain". The guys that like to call themselves 'captain' and wear the hat, shout orders etc I have noticed are the worst skippers, puts folks on edge, people get hurt, fall overboard and make mistakes. Most of these 'captains' have never even been through a USCG power-boat-squadron, but then how could they learn anything, they already know it all. Owning a vessel does not make you a 'captain'.
I shouldn't even get into this, methinks these feathers are easily rustled... I have been sailing a lotta years, a skipper most of them, yes, a licensed skipper, and if my crew/friends want to irritate me they call me "captain". The guys that like to call themselves 'captain' and wear the hat, shout orders etc I have noticed are the worst skippers, puts folks on edge, people get hurt, fall overboard and make mistakes. Most of these 'captains' have never even been through a USCG power-boat-squadron, but then how could they learn anything, they already know it all. Owning a vessel does not make you a 'captain'.
With experience comes comfort
I thought I knew how to sail when I bought my boat seven years ago; however, I now feel so much more comfortable and confident in my abilities that I know I am a better skipper: less inclined to become tense over a situation and therefore more able to tell the crew/passengers what to do or expect calmly and quietly. When I think back on some of our earlier "incidents" I cringe at how I reacted and how I snapped at the Admiral. Ouch. Live and continue to learn.
I thought I knew how to sail when I bought my boat seven years ago; however, I now feel so much more comfortable and confident in my abilities that I know I am a better skipper: less inclined to become tense over a situation and therefore more able to tell the crew/passengers what to do or expect calmly and quietly. When I think back on some of our earlier "incidents" I cringe at how I reacted and how I snapped at the Admiral. Ouch. Live and continue to learn.
Perhaps TOO moderste?
I'm usually so glad when guests join me for a sail that I am very reluctant to pull the "Captain Queeg" act. Sometimes that backfires when things go wrong - because they won't listen to ME when they're too busy talking to each other. I don't expect that situation to change much - so I chalk it up to the vageries of the sport. Bill on STARGAZER
I'm usually so glad when guests join me for a sail that I am very reluctant to pull the "Captain Queeg" act. Sometimes that backfires when things go wrong - because they won't listen to ME when they're too busy talking to each other. I don't expect that situation to change much - so I chalk it up to the vageries of the sport. Bill on STARGAZER
Very Moderate
By my nature and because I usually sail with friends, I am no Capt Bligh. But I will be stern when necessary, if I see a serious wrong-doing. Most time it's just me and my wife. If I would want them to come back, again, then I will not raise my voice to another person. If I want them to learn, then I will not terrorize them. I usually try to explain any ramifications as to why something should be done a certain way. I do get results that way.
By my nature and because I usually sail with friends, I am no Capt Bligh. But I will be stern when necessary, if I see a serious wrong-doing. Most time it's just me and my wife. If I would want them to come back, again, then I will not raise my voice to another person. If I want them to learn, then I will not terrorize them. I usually try to explain any ramifications as to why something should be done a certain way. I do get results that way.
It depends on the situation
Sailing is a team effort, but having said that there is still only ONE person on the boat responsible. According to my first mate, if the situation is just an average one, I will usually give instructions in a calm voice-but loud enough to be heard over any wind noise(or engine if motoring at the time). If the situation is more critical, and especially if I've given the "order" already, I need it done TODAY and am likely to bark it out sounding uncannily like my "old man" who was possibly the loudest DI on wartime Parris Island in his day. My biggest problem as a skipper with my crew is resisting the urge to correct a sheet handling problem (or steering problem when someone else is at the helm-tiller). I only do that now when not doing it could endanger the boat & crew. In re-hashing an event(good or bad)I try to ignore foul-ups that only made us look rediculous, and only address actions that would have proved dangerous. In the end, I usually blame myself for not spending enough time training the team(we don't race, really)completely enough and insisting that EVERYBODY takes a turn at all stations in as many situations as possible. Doing this will have a crew acting on experience and instinct instead of blindly following orders. What if I fell overboard?-yeah I know, she'll sell the boat and buy a bigger house!
Sailing is a team effort, but having said that there is still only ONE person on the boat responsible. According to my first mate, if the situation is just an average one, I will usually give instructions in a calm voice-but loud enough to be heard over any wind noise(or engine if motoring at the time). If the situation is more critical, and especially if I've given the "order" already, I need it done TODAY and am likely to bark it out sounding uncannily like my "old man" who was possibly the loudest DI on wartime Parris Island in his day. My biggest problem as a skipper with my crew is resisting the urge to correct a sheet handling problem (or steering problem when someone else is at the helm-tiller). I only do that now when not doing it could endanger the boat & crew. In re-hashing an event(good or bad)I try to ignore foul-ups that only made us look rediculous, and only address actions that would have proved dangerous. In the end, I usually blame myself for not spending enough time training the team(we don't race, really)completely enough and insisting that EVERYBODY takes a turn at all stations in as many situations as possible. Doing this will have a crew acting on experience and instinct instead of blindly following orders. What if I fell overboard?-yeah I know, she'll sell the boat and buy a bigger house!
Only yell when it is necessary
to be heard over the wind. Otherwise, I speak quietly. That ensures me that I am heard and understood. It is always my job to see that everything is done properly so I always try to check that things are done and follow up on those that aren't. Communication is the most important thing we ever do and it is a two way street. Being clear, respectful, and making sure that things are understood is the most important part of the job. Yelling is for amateurs and nervous skippers and only makes the crew nervous, resentful, frustrated, sometimes angry and uncooperative too.
to be heard over the wind. Otherwise, I speak quietly. That ensures me that I am heard and understood. It is always my job to see that everything is done properly so I always try to check that things are done and follow up on those that aren't. Communication is the most important thing we ever do and it is a two way street. Being clear, respectful, and making sure that things are understood is the most important part of the job. Yelling is for amateurs and nervous skippers and only makes the crew nervous, resentful, frustrated, sometimes angry and uncooperative too.
What Would...
... be an interesting variation on the theme of this thread would be to know how the spouse/crew would characterize the captains of their vessels as opposed to how they see themselves... Might be time for some mid-course correction....
... be an interesting variation on the theme of this thread would be to know how the spouse/crew would characterize the captains of their vessels as opposed to how they see themselves... Might be time for some mid-course correction....
Calm 99%
When I've turned into Capt Queeg, it has been my fault. I sometimes forget the experience level of the crew and get the boat into a tight spot that would be a no-brainer for an experienced crew. It's only happened once in the last 3 years. I still hear about it.
When I've turned into Capt Queeg, it has been my fault. I sometimes forget the experience level of the crew and get the boat into a tight spot that would be a no-brainer for an experienced crew. It's only happened once in the last 3 years.
I still hear about it. A Novel Situation!
My wife and I are leaving in 6 days for a week- long charter with The Moorings in the BVI with two other couples. We were neighbors of the first couple, twenty years ago, but only know the second couple through our ex-neighbors. We will be on a 40' sloop. Each of the three couples have an average of 30 years of sailing experience on their own boats but I will be the Captain as I set up the charter and signed as the responsible party. When on my own boat, a 30'Hunter, I am mellow but will bark out commands should a crisis develop. It will be an interesting experiment to see how mellow I can be in this situation in a new boat and a new sailing area with a crew to whom I am relatively unknown. We will, by God, have a great time!
My wife and I are leaving in 6 days for a week- long charter with The Moorings in the BVI with two other couples. We were neighbors of the first couple, twenty years ago, but only know the second couple through our ex-neighbors. We will be on a 40' sloop. Each of the three couples have an average of 30 years of sailing experience on their own boats but I will be the Captain as I set up the charter and signed as the responsible party. When on my own boat, a 30'Hunter, I am mellow but will bark out commands should a crisis develop. It will be an interesting experiment to see how mellow I can be in this situation in a new boat and a new sailing area with a crew to whom I am relatively unknown. We will, by God, have a great time!
Areformed skipper
When I first learned to sail in the 70's I taught myself and my loving spouse was my 2nd mate. She eventually bowed out due to the yelling out of ORDERS by me (the tyrant) Since then and especially when I had several co-owners on my 30' Catalina I learned that yelling is counter productive and at times dangerous. With my new boat, a 1971 MacGregor Venture 22', I was having a hard time getting sailing companions until I lightened up and now I even surprise myself. Another thing I now do is to offer non-sailors free passage as well as sailing lessons. This has turned into helping fresh water sailors learn about that big Pacific Ocean while cementing good 2nd mates to go to Catalina and the other off-shore islands along southern California. Some of my past escapades can be read about in old issues of SAIL magazine and SKIN DIVER magazine. If you would like to see some of them just contact me and I WILL SEND ONE OR TWO (OF NEARLY 100) true stories to you. I am now in the process of putting them in my soon to be published book called "Blue Water, Red Blood"
When I first learned to sail in the 70's I taught myself and my loving spouse was my 2nd mate. She eventually bowed out due to the yelling out of ORDERS by me (the tyrant) Since then and especially when I had several co-owners on my 30' Catalina I learned that yelling is counter productive and at times dangerous. With my new boat, a 1971 MacGregor Venture 22', I was having a hard time getting sailing companions until I lightened up and now I even surprise myself. Another thing I now do is to offer non-sailors free passage as well as sailing lessons. This has turned into helping fresh water sailors learn about that big Pacific Ocean while cementing good 2nd mates to go to Catalina and the other off-shore islands along southern California. Some of my past escapades can be read about in old issues of SAIL magazine and SKIN DIVER magazine. If you would like to see some of them just contact me and I WILL SEND ONE OR TWO (OF NEARLY 100) true stories to you. I am now in the process of putting them in my soon to be published book called "Blue Water, Red Blood"
Captain John
I am total, complete, boss, captain, skipper, leader, man-in-charge of my 22-foot Catalina on Pymatuning Lake...until my wife comes aboard, and then I am deckhand, engineer, first,second and third mate, helmsman and everything else. It's just like home.
I am total, complete, boss, captain, skipper, leader, man-in-charge of my 22-foot Catalina on Pymatuning Lake...until my wife comes aboard, and then I am deckhand, engineer, first,second and third mate, helmsman and everything else. It's just like home.
Queeg
Let's face it - sometimes yelling indicates that WE are in over our heads. We're nervous . . . we're stressed . . . we yell. Guess what? Our guests look at us and conclude, " I don't think this guy knows what he's doing!" and there goes our latest winch grinder. When it comes to making an impression on our crew, calm equals competent. AND I MEAN IT!!! Oops - sorry - didn't mean to yell. Fred p.s. Remember: though a skipper does have a lot of responsibility, recreational sailing is just play. Hopefully, life-and-death situations that require yelling don't occur often aboard our boats. If they do, maybe we should pick another sport before we hurt someone.
Let's face it - sometimes yelling indicates that WE are in over our heads. We're nervous . . . we're stressed . . . we yell. Guess what? Our guests look at us and conclude, " I don't think this guy knows what he's doing!" and there goes our latest winch grinder. When it comes to making an impression on our crew, calm equals competent. AND I MEAN IT!!! Oops - sorry - didn't mean to yell. Fred p.s. Remember: though a skipper does have a lot of responsibility, recreational sailing is just play. Hopefully, life-and-death situations that require yelling don't occur often aboard our boats. If they do, maybe we should pick another sport before we hurt someone.
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