Should the skipper be capable of doing everything on board?

[stephenh]

The best skipper I ever sailed with likened the role of skipper to that of a conductor of an orchestra – he can’t necessarily play every instrument as well as the soloist but he knows, better than anyone, how to get the best out of the whole team and what result is being looked for.

“ There will, with a bit of luck, be people on board who are better than you at particular tasks; it’s your job, as skipper, to find them and encourage them. Those with less experience than you can be taught up to your own level at least, if you are any good.
In effect, on a long cruise you are trying to make yourself redundant as skipper.”

Softly spoken, he never shouted and I learned more about people management from him, by example, than any fancy course that various firms have sent me on.

 

[gjgm]

its more B than A, but only if by B, one means that he has an understanding, if not specific knowledge- and that as skipper, he is confident someone else does have the knowledge.
Say, changing the fuel filter. He needs to know the why, and the symptoms, and recognise them, but as long as someone else knows that specific engine, that would be adequate to my mind.

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

The skipper should know how to do everything _or_ be able to instruct a third party to complete successfully any task he is not able to do himself.

That seems to cover the diabled skipper issue.

 

[captainslarty]

I bow Sir !
Seriously.. that sums it up !.

the skipper should be able to cope with any eventuality to the best standards of competent persons.. if he or she cant.. then get crew who can... if you cant get crew, or are sailing single or as a couple.. make sure the skills are there somewhere.. and teach each other.. but only one person is and can be in charge.. even with discussed consequences, the final decision is the skip's.

If you have a weakness in a certain area.. learn !!. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

jOE

 

[freebird1]

Unless you have a very strong crew with all the skills needed (preferably more than one of each skill) the answer must be A. It would be a poor seaman who took their vessel to sea without the skills to bring her home again, at least in basic terms ie to be able to keep the water out, to keep from hitting anything and to keep her where you want her. This means a basic knowledge of DIY and plumbing, electrics and engines, rigging and sail repair, navigation, safety and even cooking. That is before you get to skills such as leadership. Most skippers have done all of this at some point in anycase. I accept that there will be some people that can not do these things because of disability, but this is the exception not the rule. And i'm not funny.

 

[charles_reed]

Somewhat sweeeping statement

in the case of a single-hander

 

[Iota]

Re: Somewhat sweeeping statement

Why? I think any singlehander who puts to sea makes a risk call on their ability to make their planned passage, not entirely sure whether disability comes into it or not. I would be interested in your views as you are far more experienced than myself

iota

 

[WindFinder]

All a skipper needs to be able to do is pay for the boat etc. He can always find other people do do all the sailing.