how much

powerskipper

powerskipper

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Helming do the females on your boats do, just asking as I have seen an increase in females at the helm over the last few years and I think its great.

and does it make your life easier or harder.

ps should have put a capital in thread heading and now can't change. oopps
 
SWMBO will only take the helm in times of extremis. Don't ask me why, I have tried on many occasions to persuade her to drive. She does like to do the navigation and the deck work though, and also keeps me fed and watered through our voyages. I am the Captain and I know my place. She is the Admiral !!

j
 
Yes regularly on our current saily boat because it's anchored in the water and goes where it's steered down to about a knot. But she would never have done it on our previous fb mobo. I think the thought of two throttles and unresponsive steering at low speed put her off.
 
Mrs FP will quite frequently boot me off the helm on the return leg of a day trip.
On a longer passage, sometimes I will navigate.
Probably not 50%, but heading that way.
 
None - but I'm working on it... ;)

She has helmed before as her Ex had a Coronet for a while, but from what I can extract only in open water. She has agreed to do PB2 however so getting there. The theory is that if we haven't already done by then, we'll both do 'own boat' when the Arrowbolt is on the water as our son will be able to do as well by then (he's currently 10). Ironically, he won't helm either at the moment - but working on that too!
 
It used to be 50/50, then tailed off to nearly none but as we do longer passages and after a little tuition from Jon Mendez she has been doing more and more. So much so that she now takes the boat away on girls only boating weekends as long as Powerskipper is there for a little confidence and guidance!
 
My female passengers will serve drinks & snax, especially alcoholic ones, amongst themselves & sunbathe, but "driving the boat" is generally considered to be my job - especially if it is raining & they are under the sprayhood or below.

For entering/ leaving an anchorage SWMBO will take the wheel while I am allowed to play with the heavy metal up front, or to jiggle the ropes & fiddle with the rags - provided I give her clear instructions what she is to do. Her main job is deciding which beach to visit (weather permitting - it is my job to ensure the correct weather or recommend a better beach).

I have tried to encourage them to get involved or even understand the issues, but mostly she prefers to watch the wild life or read. Nevertheless, on a number of occasions she has asked pointed questions that have caused me to completely replan a trip, so she is clearly absorbing knowledge despite her best efforts.
 
You're kidding, have you seen how hard it is in a F4 retrieving those blooming fenders and trying to lasso a cleat in the marina, not to mention working with a hot kettle when on the hook - I think I'll stick to the helm thanks very much.....
 
Very little input from SWMBO on the helm to be honest. Sometimes on the river and occasionally at sea but never berthing or maneuvering in the marina. I have encouraged participation but she is happy with things the way they are. She is absolute tops on deck work and can lasso a cleat with ease. We keep promising each other that she will become proficient on the helm in tight spaces but haven't got round to it yet.......
 
When we purchased Play d'eau, a condition was that Lin could helm in case anything happened to me. We now swap 50/50 when cruising, each taking a break and sometimes a sleep if the passage is long. Arrivals-wise, it's more me than her, but we try to swap on departures. I must say I get a kick from seeing other boaters watching her manoeuvre so well...
 
Greg2 said:
Very little input from SWMBO on the helm to be honest. Sometimes on the river and occasionally at sea but never berthing or maneuvering in the marina. I have encouraged participation but she is happy with things the way they are. She is absolute tops on deck work and can lasso a cleat with ease. We keep promising each other that she will become proficient on the helm in tight spaces but haven't got round to it yet.......
Click to expand...

^^^^ This ^^^^^^

The Mrs does not particularly enjoy it on the helm and is happy sitting enjoying the ride & serving tea / food on passages. As for berthing..... I like hat bit :)
 
Piers said:
.......could helm in case anything happened to me. ........... I must say I get a kick from seeing other boaters watching her manoeuvre so well...
Click to expand...


Totally agree with both sentiments. (she is getting quite good at it as well which is nice )
 
Depends.

On short trips Mrs C may take the boat all the way, drop the hook and secure. On longer trips she normally takes the boat off the berth and out of the marina while I store the lines and fenders.

We don't have a fixed plan so depends on the mood at the time :listening_headphone:;)
 
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