Calm Skippers... thank god!

[Wardy]

Have just returned from my second (long weekend) outing afloat off the Essex coast. Everything was fine, managed to moor my friends yacht without touching the sides on numerous occasions; managed to manoevre in very tight circumstances at Shotley and Woodbridge; managed to swim underneath the boat to clear the prop of a large plastic bag (not the nicest start to the weekend but worth a few beers), all in all a cracking few days but...
Got it totally wrong before entering the lock at Shotley, sunday night... Managed to drift sideways in the dark as i awaited the green light to enter and nearly had us running aground... The lock keeper radiod to tell me to head to port quickish! The skipper just smiled and said..."You'll get it right next time!"
Would you have been as calm in your own boat?


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[pvb]

Lock keepers...

The lock keepers at Shotley are exceptionally helpful, patient, good humoured and very aware of what's happening. Sadly, not all lock keepers are as vigilant.

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[billskip]

if the skippers not calm he/she is not a good skipper

<hr width=100% size=1>Bill

 

[graham]

I think that is a bit harsh Bill. Ideally every skipper will be calm and collected no matter what ,BUT in the real world....

Yes the best Skippers will never raise their voice and be so well prepared that the situation never becomes hectic.However we cant all be perfect all the time . Can we??

Even Ships Captains are only human and get excited now and then .



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[TheBoatman]

It\'s the Duck Syndrome

All calm on top but paddling like mad underneath. As a RYA power boat instructor bearing down on a pontoon at 6 knts with tide and wind under you test your abilities to stay "calm".
Please ignore the tick in my left eye and the occasions when my right elbow suddenly flys into my side whist my left leg kicks out, I've been told that this is natural for a PB instructor that looks calm. Also the stutter only goes to help the candidates understand me better<s>

PPPPPPPeeeeeetter.

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[Evadne]

Re: It\'s the Duck Syndrome

Precisely. I always try and panic quietly.

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[Sea Devil]

Re: It\'s the Duck Syndrome

If you can keep your head whilst others panic, scream and shout.

If you can stay quiet and still and calm whilst others rush round in total fear, fright and totally stressed out .

Remain calm, cool and speak softly stay still and quiet when others are terrified......



Then


It just shows you do not know what the **** is going on.....

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[billskip]

maybe a bit harsh graham but how many times have boats been found abandoned and still afloat when the crew have left and died..once is too often..we are talking all kinds of boating here..boating should be a pleasure..but is also very dangerous..the sea takes no prisoners..the skipper is the one responsable...please dont missunderstand me i enjoy the humer and lighthartedness of the forum but i think some points cannot be taken lightly and must be hammered home...at least until we learn to walk on water..

<hr width=100% size=1>Bill