Sailing involves a million decisions. Some, fairly minor decisions on sail trim and the like; others critcal choices on navigating near a large freighter, surfing down a wave, choosing when to shorten sail, or picking a spot for an anchorage in a blow. How do you and your crew make decisions? On-land studies prove conclusively that consensus decison making yields the right choice most of the time. On the water the captain's word (and responsibility) is the final one. As captain do you get input from the crew before making choices or pretty much do it all on your own? Share your views and experiences, then vote in this week's Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz contributed by Gary Wyngarden)
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fletchdoggie
group therapy
Most of my crew are novices but it always helps to ask.Usually we all decide on whether or not to sail according to the weather forcast.The food and beverage choice is put to a vote too.
Most of my crew are novices but it always helps to ask.Usually we all decide on whether or not to sail according to the weather forcast.The food and beverage choice is put to a vote too.
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Bob Todd
Since I am ultimately responsible...
I make the decision when it comes to the boat, itself. Food, drink...well, that's up for grabs. "Concensus is when everyone agrees to say collectively what no one believes individually." Abba Eban Cheers, Bob
I make the decision when it comes to the boat, itself. Food, drink...well, that's up for grabs. "Concensus is when everyone agrees to say collectively what no one believes individually." Abba Eban Cheers, Bob
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Jenny
It depends
The main consideration is the experience of the crew. If I have an experienced crew and the situation is iffy, I take suggestions or ask if they are willing to risk it (staying out in a blow, or not reefing the main, or whatever). If I have a novice crew, or people I do not know well, I am more likely to make solo decisions and act much earlier and with greater conservativism.
The main consideration is the experience of the crew. If I have an experienced crew and the situation is iffy, I take suggestions or ask if they are willing to risk it (staying out in a blow, or not reefing the main, or whatever). If I have a novice crew, or people I do not know well, I am more likely to make solo decisions and act much earlier and with greater conservativism.
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Bob Jordan
Good Host
Sailing is usually a family affair ... with occasional guests. The wife and I usually plan refreshments -- with due consideration to our guests' tastes. Weather and navigation decisions are mine. However, as a good host, I always try to consider the risk tolerances of those on board and will usually defer to their concerns. After all, we're sailing for our mutual pleasure and I don't see any need to push the envelope unless we're racing and the crew and the boat is up to it.
Sailing is usually a family affair ... with occasional guests. The wife and I usually plan refreshments -- with due consideration to our guests' tastes. Weather and navigation decisions are mine. However, as a good host, I always try to consider the risk tolerances of those on board and will usually defer to their concerns. After all, we're sailing for our mutual pleasure and I don't see any need to push the envelope unless we're racing and the crew and the boat is up to it.
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Jack Tyler
Consensus works...and is dysfunctional
In my experience - and in the OD/OE work I've done - it's not at all clear that consensus 'yields the right choice most of the time'. It depends on decision to be made, the nature of the group (as pointed out by others here) and the timeline involved, among other variables. Do we want to impose consensus on the cook as s/he provisions? No, that's why we have a cook. Do we expect to be asked about our eating preferences? Sure, because we trust the cook to do so...and would probe if it didn't happen. With one person serving as the medical 'expert' onboard, sought training and provisioned the medical locker & bookshelf accordingly, do we want a group process to determine what action to be taken. Or wouldn't we be more inclined to rely on person who prepared for the emergency to take charge, and that person probing around medical history or asking for assistance in treatment? How responsibilities develop and how the larger group (usually guests, beyond the short-handed, permanent crew) are included in them is full of nuance & variabiltiy due to the infinite variety of circumstance and yet, at the same time, the important stuff usually must be someone's specific task in order that substantive preparation occurs and there's clarity of direction once the need emerges. The question posed strikes me as being similar to asking 'What's the best offshore boat'? Everyone can offer opinion but there's little connection between the answers and what an individual crew & skippers end up deciding. Jack
In my experience - and in the OD/OE work I've done - it's not at all clear that consensus 'yields the right choice most of the time'. It depends on decision to be made, the nature of the group (as pointed out by others here) and the timeline involved, among other variables. Do we want to impose consensus on the cook as s/he provisions? No, that's why we have a cook. Do we expect to be asked about our eating preferences? Sure, because we trust the cook to do so...and would probe if it didn't happen. With one person serving as the medical 'expert' onboard, sought training and provisioned the medical locker & bookshelf accordingly, do we want a group process to determine what action to be taken. Or wouldn't we be more inclined to rely on person who prepared for the emergency to take charge, and that person probing around medical history or asking for assistance in treatment? How responsibilities develop and how the larger group (usually guests, beyond the short-handed, permanent crew) are included in them is full of nuance & variabiltiy due to the infinite variety of circumstance and yet, at the same time, the important stuff usually must be someone's specific task in order that substantive preparation occurs and there's clarity of direction once the need emerges. The question posed strikes me as being similar to asking 'What's the best offshore boat'? Everyone can offer opinion but there's little connection between the answers and what an individual crew & skippers end up deciding. Jack
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TONY LESLIE
IT DEPENDS
If I am racing with an experienced crew, I will will listen to their sugestions. When I am cruising I make the decisions as to when and where to anchor or shorten sails ect...but the Galley belongs to the Admiral (wife)! Tony and Linda Leslie SV-PHOENIX
If I am racing with an experienced crew, I will will listen to their sugestions. When I am cruising I make the decisions as to when and where to anchor or shorten sails ect...but the Galley belongs to the Admiral (wife)! Tony and Linda Leslie SV-PHOENIX
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Paul
My wife, the expert
Every year I have to teach my wife (again) how to wrap a line around a winch, and we drill on which is port and which is starboard. She just isn't that interested in sailing, and I'm learning to accept that. But she's always full of advice. I'll never forget the day that, when we were broad-reaching along comfortably in 10 knots of (apparent) wind, she said, "we aren't going to sail all day with that reef in, are we?" So, I shook it out and when we turned around our mark, we were on our ear in 18 knots (we sail a Hunter 336). She's always trying to talk me into shortcuts through shallow water because, "that other boat is going there." Even though it's a 22-foot runabout. Even though I've explained many times about this big fin we have sticking down below the boat. Even though I've tried--and failed--to teach her how to read a chart. I've learned to keep my own counsel. It's not that she's never right, but I have no way to know when she's dead wrong. So I'm the captain of our ship, and I make almost all of the decisions until the anchor digs in, or we're tied up at the dock. Then we're a couple again.
Every year I have to teach my wife (again) how to wrap a line around a winch, and we drill on which is port and which is starboard. She just isn't that interested in sailing, and I'm learning to accept that. But she's always full of advice. I'll never forget the day that, when we were broad-reaching along comfortably in 10 knots of (apparent) wind, she said, "we aren't going to sail all day with that reef in, are we?" So, I shook it out and when we turned around our mark, we were on our ear in 18 knots (we sail a Hunter 336). She's always trying to talk me into shortcuts through shallow water because, "that other boat is going there." Even though it's a 22-foot runabout. Even though I've explained many times about this big fin we have sticking down below the boat. Even though I've tried--and failed--to teach her how to read a chart. I've learned to keep my own counsel. It's not that she's never right, but I have no way to know when she's dead wrong. So I'm the captain of our ship, and I make almost all of the decisions until the anchor digs in, or we're tied up at the dock. Then we're a couple again.
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Dick Schwarz
Most Knowledgable
A clear understanding of who the "final decision" maker is very important. In times of distress, hopefully the owner is the captain, most knowledgable, and "final Decision" maker. If I sail with less competent people on their boats in possible adverse conditions, we generally have an understanding. If it really gets bad, they will put me in charge to make the critical decisions. But for everything else, I let them be the captain.
A clear understanding of who the "final decision" maker is very important. In times of distress, hopefully the owner is the captain, most knowledgable, and "final Decision" maker. If I sail with less competent people on their boats in possible adverse conditions, we generally have an understanding. If it really gets bad, they will put me in charge to make the critical decisions. But for everything else, I let them be the captain.
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LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners.com
Old habits are hard to break
Though Rob & I are no longer a couple, we're still great friends & go sailing on occasion. Since he's far more knowledgable, he's the "captain" & I'm just the "owner" when we're on my boat. This is typically just fine except when I'm really uncomfortable with something he wants to do (or not do), then I have final say. With anyone else, it's my way or the highway since most of my friends know nothing about sailing. LaDonna
Though Rob & I are no longer a couple, we're still great friends & go sailing on occasion. Since he's far more knowledgable, he's the "captain" & I'm just the "owner" when we're on my boat. This is typically just fine except when I'm really uncomfortable with something he wants to do (or not do), then I have final say. With anyone else, it's my way or the highway since most of my friends know nothing about sailing. LaDonna
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Kenneth Pfaff
My family are more like guest's than crew
My wife does not take an active part at all, she even refuses to take the wheel when we are sailing, even on a calm day. With my kids they take a more active part, then know what to do, but do not take any initiative to correct a problem. So in general I make all the decisons and tell everyone what to do. At times I almost enjoy singlehandle more, because if I have to do everything myself, I might as well be by myself.
My wife does not take an active part at all, she even refuses to take the wheel when we are sailing, even on a calm day. With my kids they take a more active part, then know what to do, but do not take any initiative to correct a problem. So in general I make all the decisons and tell everyone what to do. At times I almost enjoy singlehandle more, because if I have to do everything myself, I might as well be by myself.
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Lee
Growing Together...
Since we've only been a "sailing family" for just over a year, the majority of the decisions have been mine to make when sailing, based on my experience (or rather the rest of the family's lack thereof...) My wife has taken an interest in learning the basics and has taken the tiller and helped with the sheets more often now as she becomes more comfortable with the boat. On land, we try to discuss the basic sail plan, activities, and food/drink choices before the sail, so that we all have a good time on the water... As our experience grows, we're learning quickly what works and what doesn't and the conflicts in planning are becoming much fewer. The weather also determines a lot about what we can do and then what we can do determines what we bring. When we get on the water, its my job to sail the boat to get us where we want to be - and getting there is half the fun when sailing! The "crew" takes over when we get to where we're going to do their part of having fun...
Since we've only been a "sailing family" for just over a year, the majority of the decisions have been mine to make when sailing, based on my experience (or rather the rest of the family's lack thereof...) My wife has taken an interest in learning the basics and has taken the tiller and helped with the sheets more often now as she becomes more comfortable with the boat. On land, we try to discuss the basic sail plan, activities, and food/drink choices before the sail, so that we all have a good time on the water... As our experience grows, we're learning quickly what works and what doesn't and the conflicts in planning are becoming much fewer. The weather also determines a lot about what we can do and then what we can do determines what we bring. When we get on the water, its my job to sail the boat to get us where we want to be - and getting there is half the fun when sailing! The "crew" takes over when we get to where we're going to do their part of having fun...
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Lysle Seelig
It's a joke between my wife and myself...
From the moment we step off the dock and onto the boat, I remind her that in this domain "I" am in charge. Mainly because anywhere else it is wise of me if I check with her first on those matters that she might want to interject her opinion on. (Helps me stay out of trouble.) We make a good team and she is willing to try to do anything that is needed. But because of her size and stature, she is very petite, there are some things she just can't do... but she always try's. She's a great first mate, and as chief bartender/cook, she can't be beat. For the most part, I consider myself a novice. Having only been sailing for about 7 yrs now I am well aware there is still much I don't know. So when sailing with friends/crew I make it a point to learn who has had sailing experience and gauge it to my own and most often defer to the experience/knowledge of those better equipped than I for a given situation. I always make sure I have an experienced friend along on those occasions when I decide to test my limits. Regards, Lysle
From the moment we step off the dock and onto the boat, I remind her that in this domain "I" am in charge. Mainly because anywhere else it is wise of me if I check with her first on those matters that she might want to interject her opinion on. (Helps me stay out of trouble.) We make a good team and she is willing to try to do anything that is needed. But because of her size and stature, she is very petite, there are some things she just can't do... but she always try's. She's a great first mate, and as chief bartender/cook, she can't be beat. For the most part, I consider myself a novice. Having only been sailing for about 7 yrs now I am well aware there is still much I don't know. So when sailing with friends/crew I make it a point to learn who has had sailing experience and gauge it to my own and most often defer to the experience/knowledge of those better equipped than I for a given situation. I always make sure I have an experienced friend along on those occasions when I decide to test my limits. Regards, Lysle
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Jeff Smithwick
Quick get that line . . . never mind
Our sailing experience is much like many people. Different people observe and react differently. Our family is like most. I, as captain, am observing other things like relative boat speed to other vessels, docks and piers, and the lines that are needed to secure the boat and keep the boat from hitting the dock. My crew seems to be watching other people, the dock going by, and me! I know, it sounds arrogant; experience and patience is the best crewman.
Our sailing experience is much like many people. Different people observe and react differently. Our family is like most. I, as captain, am observing other things like relative boat speed to other vessels, docks and piers, and the lines that are needed to secure the boat and keep the boat from hitting the dock. My crew seems to be watching other people, the dock going by, and me! I know, it sounds arrogant; experience and patience is the best crewman.
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Bob Howie
Crew Resource Management is best
I came up in the old school of aviation where Captains considered themselves -- and generally believed to be by others -- gods. There's a lot of deep, smoking holes in the ground out there because of that line of thinking. Today, the crew works together to come up with good, safe manageable plans and no single head ever came up solely with the best idea. However, the caveat to that is that while it is good to get the crew's opinion and to let them in on the decision making process in the interest of safety and teamwork, ultimate responsibility befalls the captain, so ultimately, the captain has to make the final -- and sometimes tough -- decision. That being said, too, it's the fool-hardy captain who doesn't at least ask for opinions.
I came up in the old school of aviation where Captains considered themselves -- and generally believed to be by others -- gods. There's a lot of deep, smoking holes in the ground out there because of that line of thinking. Today, the crew works together to come up with good, safe manageable plans and no single head ever came up solely with the best idea. However, the caveat to that is that while it is good to get the crew's opinion and to let them in on the decision making process in the interest of safety and teamwork, ultimate responsibility befalls the captain, so ultimately, the captain has to make the final -- and sometimes tough -- decision. That being said, too, it's the fool-hardy captain who doesn't at least ask for opinions.
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Carol
OK...I admit it
I am a great 1st Mate. With such duties as bartender, keeping the cabin in ship shape and planning meals. However, I will not hesitate to take the wheel. (I have taken the boat out alone)...that was a goal of mine. I can trim the sheets, tack and dock the boat....well my docking is much better when the wind isn't blowing the squirels out of the trees. A few weeks ago while in a club race I mentioned to my captain....."I think we need to tack before rounding the marker....he didn't think so, and just as we got to the marker the wind shifted and we had to do a 360 to aviod hitting the marker, we lost some time there.....just goes to show you that the wind shifts play a big part in sailing and being able to adapt to the conditions is key! My skills at the wheel need improvemnet when we are dropping the hook......but I think he enjoys teaching me. Most decisions are made by my captain, howerver I do put my two cents in! Smooth Sailing, Carol
I am a great 1st Mate. With such duties as bartender, keeping the cabin in ship shape and planning meals. However, I will not hesitate to take the wheel. (I have taken the boat out alone)...that was a goal of mine. I can trim the sheets, tack and dock the boat....well my docking is much better when the wind isn't blowing the squirels out of the trees. A few weeks ago while in a club race I mentioned to my captain....."I think we need to tack before rounding the marker....he didn't think so, and just as we got to the marker the wind shifted and we had to do a 360 to aviod hitting the marker, we lost some time there.....just goes to show you that the wind shifts play a big part in sailing and being able to adapt to the conditions is key! My skills at the wheel need improvemnet when we are dropping the hook......but I think he enjoys teaching me. Most decisions are made by my captain, howerver I do put my two cents in! Smooth Sailing, Carol
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Brian Blevins
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tomD
Debate it afterwards
The captain is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the boat and the crew. The crew obeys the captain. When you get all social-democratic about this, the moment can be lost and the safety and wellbeing of the boat and crew in jeopardy, with no one to blame but the captain. Debate the decisions during happy hour and apply the concensus decision next day. This leaves no doubt in anyone's mind as to who's in charge, and what's about to happen. Sailing for fun does require some sort of structure: my last cruise was a bickering argument on when to tack and how much scope to set and where to anchor. I was exhausted and will not repeat the experience: crew should be able to trust the captain and follow an order .
The captain is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the boat and the crew. The crew obeys the captain. When you get all social-democratic about this, the moment can be lost and the safety and wellbeing of the boat and crew in jeopardy, with no one to blame but the captain. Debate the decisions during happy hour and apply the concensus decision next day. This leaves no doubt in anyone's mind as to who's in charge, and what's about to happen. Sailing for fun does require some sort of structure: my last cruise was a bickering argument on when to tack and how much scope to set and where to anchor. I was exhausted and will not repeat the experience: crew should be able to trust the captain and follow an order .
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Paul Nebeling
A captain's role... or is that roll?
Well, as the old saying goes, "The Captain of a ship at sea answers only to God." Then again, many a mutiny have been caused by that attitude. I would say that circumstances must dictate the response. In a situation where immediate action is needed, the captain makes the decision and debates it afterwards, hopefully over a refreshing beverage in comfortable surroundings. For other decisions, go for the consensus. Consider it training a new captain, if the word consensus rubs you the wrong way.
Well, as the old saying goes, "The Captain of a ship at sea answers only to God." Then again, many a mutiny have been caused by that attitude. I would say that circumstances must dictate the response. In a situation where immediate action is needed, the captain makes the decision and debates it afterwards, hopefully over a refreshing beverage in comfortable surroundings. For other decisions, go for the consensus. Consider it training a new captain, if the word consensus rubs you the wrong way.
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Paul Akers
Consensus!
I just returned from a flotilla trip with several Hunters/Captains. We had an itinerary, but had to plot our own courses. Each day, we would meet to didcuss our course waypoints, etc. We developed a consensus each day for 12 days. We all basically had the same courses established, but we always discussed the differences and agreed when/how to proceed. On the other hand, immediated decisions are based on degree of effect. When there's little time to discuss, the captain's word should be gospel. In other matters, I have been questioned by my first mate and have changed my mind. Input is always welcome. Safe Sailing!
I just returned from a flotilla trip with several Hunters/Captains. We had an itinerary, but had to plot our own courses. Each day, we would meet to didcuss our course waypoints, etc. We developed a consensus each day for 12 days. We all basically had the same courses established, but we always discussed the differences and agreed when/how to proceed. On the other hand, immediated decisions are based on degree of effect. When there's little time to discuss, the captain's word should be gospel. In other matters, I have been questioned by my first mate and have changed my mind. Input is always welcome. Safe Sailing!
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