Alan made me think of this. When I would go on a boat at the request of a skipper I never really know where to start. I've already had a conversation with the skipper but in that conversation I'm generally blown away with the level of experience he is spouting to me and to such an extent I often wonder why he is calling me. In only one case did the expectation turn into reality and that was a nice couple from Dana Point. As soon as we cleared the breakwater it was obvious these two knew what they were doing. I've often said most sailors "don't know what they don't know" but these two knew their onions. After sailing a few points of sail I told them there was nothing I could add and I may as well go back to the dock. They suggested we have some fun and try to push the boat beyond 100%. It was one of the best sailing days I've ever experienced. In most other cases it does not work out that way. Normally, what I prefer to do is spend a little time at the dock with the skipper and crew explaining draft depth, twist, angle of attack and draft position for the main and jib and how all the sail trim controls work but some skippers don't want to be bothered and they tell me they know all that stuff. Again I think why am I here? As we set off they ask me what I want them to do. I tell them to set the boat up to sail closehauled and do what they normally do. I honestly don't like to do it this way because I end up jumping all over the place and starting in the middle. The skippers commands fly all over the place - trim the jib, give me some outhaul, adjust the back stay, adjust the traveler. DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR TO ANY OF YOU. ARE YOU THIS TYPE OF SKIPPER? After a few minutes of this I've got a good feel for the experience level and I tell them to turn the boat downwind so we can relax and talk. I ask the skipper why he called for the adjustments and explain he has to give better commands. I'll ask the trimmer why he adjusted the way he did. Most times the skipper or the trimmers can't give reasons for their adjustment - they just thought the sail needed adjustment. In many cases the sails were fine and they made them worse. Here's the bottom line, as the skipper or trimmer you have to have a reason for every adjustment. Get to a point where you can look at the sail and know what adjustment has to be made.