Does YM think we are all idiots?

[doris]

Big front cover article in the latest comic.
'Practical advice for SHORT HANDED CRUISING'

I have no idea who James Stevens is but I have to wonder if he has ever sailed short handed. The article is so dumbed down and simplistic that it insults the imagination of any couple who might sail together. Maybe next time he will get a comp crew and yachtmaster exams mixed up. Fatuous tosh!

I know they have to fill copy for all tastes but surely there is a limit. Do total beginners really make up a significant proportion of readers

 

[oldbilbo]

I have no idea who James Stevens is but I have to wonder if he has ever sailed short handed. The article is so dumbed down and simplistic that it insults the imagination of any couple who might sail together. Maybe next time he will get a comp crew and yachtmaster exams mixed up.

It comes to mind that one James Stevens was the RYA's Training Manager for a number of years. He rose through the ranks, AIR, from a background as 'dinghy instructor' and seemed to have little time for the skills and depth of understanding of seamanship that the majority of seasoned old salts had acquired through decades of offshore sailing. 'Dumbed-down' certainly were the various courses' Training Syllabus in the National Training Scheme, on the argument of 'That'll be sufficient to get people going and keep them safe enough while they acquire some experience', and so they could sell more and more courses.

His 'streamlining' of course-content had supporters - mainly sea-school proprietors - and as many detractors. When it is considered that the RYA is a business, not a members' club, and should be managed as such, his simplistic approach chimes with the times.... and the bottom line.

At times charming, occasionally persuasive, he could be irascible and waspish when challenged over any of his views or positions, in a symposium of peers.

It is said, here and there, that overall he did a good job - but that the more advanced courses, for which he was responsible, still lack depth and rigour i.e. 'dumbed - down'.

As for having 'to wonder if he ever sailed short-handed', one cannot really comment, other than to reflect the view that the recently-retired editor of Practical Boat Owner, Sarah Norbury, is rather more experienced in offshore sailing, as is the ever-sensible and very competent Libby Purves. Then there's the redoubtable and very capable Elaine Bunting.....

So, IPC has a sufficiency of talent in-house, and one wonders why on earth they commission such feeble stuff as that highlighted by the OP.

IMHO

 

[VicS]

I have no idea who James Stevens is but I have to wonder if he has ever sailed ........

I beleive Chairman of the RYA Yachtmaster Qualification Panel and previously Chairman of The Association of Sail Training Organizations,
RYA Training Manager and Chief Examiner at RYA.

I guess you have to dumb down articles for the numpties who buy these comics

 

[Sandy]

I understand that most "comics" are aimed at the new indvidual to the sport, hence dumb-down a topic.

Most old hands move, rather quickly, onto thicker books, but I do miss Janet and John.

 

[vyv_cox]

I understand that most "comics" are aimed at the new indvidual to the sport, hence dumb-down a topic.

A very sweeping generalisation. There is plenty of new, entertaining and informative information in YM. For example, the cruising pages in the current issue are on Greenland, Shoal Waters in some tiny creeks of the River Roach and ten pages on circumnavigating Britain. None directly aimed at the newcomer. Ken Endean's cruising information is always authoritative, containing plenty of useful information gained by doing it, particularly recent stuff about soundings and developments due to tidal scouring. All entertaining and well written. Of course there is some content aimed at beginners but that is only to be expected in a balanced magazine.

PBO is similar in having plenty of content aimed at experienced sailors, with technical articles on a wide range of practical stuff from anodising to cabinet making. The frequent complaint that articles are recycled is plainly nonsense, in fact I suspect that the magazines are currently going through the most innovative and productive periods of their existence.

 

[VicS]

in fact I suspect that the magazines are currently going through the most innovative and productive periods of their existence.

You are writing some articles then ?

 

[Heckler]

A very sweeping generalisation. There is plenty of new, entertaining and informative information in YM. For example, the cruising pages in the current issue are on Greenland, Shoal Waters in some tiny creeks of the River Roach and ten pages on circumnavigating Britain. None directly aimed at the newcomer. Ken Endean's cruising information is always authoritative, containing plenty of useful information gained by doing it, particularly recent stuff about soundings and developments due to tidal scouring. All entertaining and well written. Of course there is some content aimed at beginners but that is only to be expected in a balanced magazine.

PBO is similar in having plenty of content aimed at experienced sailors, with technical articles on a wide range of practical stuff from anodising to cabinet making. The frequent complaint that articles are recycled is plainly nonsense, in fact I suspect that the magazines are currently going through the most innovative and productive periods of their existence.

Plus one! In fact I am quite impressed by the doing up of the ebay boat. It is looking v good now and shows that even the professional scribes can turn their hands to practical things!
Stu

 

[vyv_cox]

You are writing some articles then ?

No, as it happens. But I think I can claim that many of the topics I have investigated have not been covered by any other magazine.

 

[wully1]

I beleive Chairman of the RYA Yachtmaster Qualification Panel and previously Chairman of The Association of Sail Training Organizations,
RYA Training Manager and Chief Examiner at RYA.

I bet he goes to bed in his blazer and red trousers...

 

[Tempus]

I bet he goes to bed in his blazer and red trousers...

I know him well and he's a down to earth guy who I've never seen wearing red trousers.

The Association of Sail Training Organizations represents all of the volunteer charities around the land who work so hard taking disadvantaged kids to sea on a wide variety of vessels including classics and square riggers. Chairmanship is a thankless task and it's as far from red trouser land as is possible. James receives no financial reward for his services. Feel free to rubbish the article, but don't rubbish the man due to your own prejudices.

 

[wully1]

Feel free to rubbish the article, but don't rubbish the man due to your own prejudices.

I'm afraid I am prejudiced against committee types, they are generally a waste of space and only good at pulling up the drawbridge to protect their own position/ qualification...and the article was rubbish.

 

[VicS]

I'm afraid I am prejudiced against committee types, they are generally a waste of space and only good at pulling up the drawbridge to protect their own position/ qualification...and the article was rubbish.

What an idiotic attitude.

Many clubs and other organisations only survive a nd flourish due to the hard work and dedication of the committee members who run them.

 

[alan_d]

I don't know if YM think we are all idiots, but they would be justified in concluding that some of us are ill-mannered.

I haven't seen the article and I don't know the writer, but it would be perfectly possible to criticise an article and indeed question the experience of its author without resorting to personal abuse.

 

[PhillM]

I have not read the article yet, but I intend to. I am sure I will get an idea or two, or worst case a timely reminder of something. I shall go to WH Smiths this very afternoon.

The skills and depth of knowledge on here far outweighs the level of knowledge I find when talking to others around the marina and so I do not think it is representative of the general magazine reader.

If the articles are so technical, or require too much prior knowledge to read, then clearly you will alienate one section of the readership. If however, they are too simple, the more experienced will deride. Its all about balance.

Also, if you make the barrier of knowledge too high for starter, you reduce the number of people prepared to go through the hoops and so either end up with a completely untrained set of starters or none at all. Its all about balance.

What I think sometimes happens is the forum forgets that the level of technical competence on here is way ahead of a lot of readers. Lets celebrate that, not deride IPC for catering to the wider spectrum.

 

[wully1]

What an idiotic attitude.

Many clubs and other organisations only survive a nd flourish due to the hard work and dedication of the committee members who run them.

I should have clarified that more than I did by including the word ' generally' Small clubs and organisations tend to do things well, large ones committees are stuffed full of balloons.

 

[vyv_cox]

I'm afraid I am prejudiced against committee types, they are generally a waste of space and only good at pulling up the drawbridge to protect their own position/ qualification....

Having been Vice Commodore and Commodore of a very friendly and successful club I cannot recognise either myself, or many others who have fulfilled the same roles, in your description. In many cases the true situation is the complete reverse of your post, previous incumbents having been persuaded to stand again in recognition of their contributions.

 

[Resolution]

I should have clarified that more than I did by including the word ' generally' Small clubs and organisations tend to do things well, large ones committees are stuffed full of balloons.

That's a pretty powerful assertion. Can you back it up with any specific proof?

 

[JumbleDuck]

I have no idea who James Stevens is but I have to wonder if he has ever sailed short handed. The article is so dumbed down and simplistic that it insults the imagination of any couple who might sail together. Maybe next time he will get a comp crew and yachtmaster exams mixed up. Fatuous tosh!

I read the article today, and I think your criticism is unjustified. It's basic stuff, but it's also stuff that a couple, about to set sail on their own boat for the first time, might find very useful. His repeated messages of "think about it in advance" and "both try to develop a range of skills" are good ones, and the anecdotes illustrating what can go wrong are well chosen.

It's not an article aimed at experienced sailors thinking of cutting back from six crew to one.

 

[capnsensible]

I bet he goes to bed in his blazer and red trousers...

I bet he knows more about sailing than you ever will........

 

[wully1]

I bet he knows more about sailing than you ever will........

That's a pretty powerful assertion. Can you back it up with any specific proof?