Skippering

J

Jeremy_W

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After a few happy and interesting years away from skippering yachts - crewing in races - I am returning to the role of skipper. What is the single most important aspect of being a skipper? Can forummers share their practical experience rather than the official RYA/ sailing school line which I can read for myself?

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Having the confidence of your crew through good leadership.

<hr width=100% size=1>Courtesy is an iota but makes the world go round
 
Never shout and don´t allow any shouting on the boat.

(Because you planned and briefed, no one needs to shout last minute instructions)

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I would say an absolute prerequisite is a decent hat with some sort of stiff brim together with a reasonably loud and authoritative voice. Loadsadosh also is great help!

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- There are very few occasions when there isn't time to think twice about a situation, or talk it over, before making the final decision. Called thinking ahead.

- Never undertake a manoever when there is only a chance it will be successful, unless you have a clear and available alternative escape route.

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The worst skipper I was with had a safe boat, good passage plan, lot of maintenance, lots of saftey gear, v laid back, no shouting, nice briefing BUT NO SODDING FOOD. He said we could get brekky at the caff but it was shut, and no biccies, only one apple, ah well let's get going. It was blimmin rubbish, so make sure you orgainse some food for snacks or something cos no matter how good you are at the yottering the crew will fall apart and/or get pissy if no food. Mars bars , twixes, hobnobs and pot noodles is ok as backup and last a reasoanable time in dark cupboards.

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Generally crew consideration should be at the top of the list. If the weather has unexpectedly turned to dog-do (despite the best efforts of the Met Office) and you really do not need to get to the planned destination then be prepared to divert to another port of call. I dont know about you but I do my sailing for fun - and I'm sure your crew do too.

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Keep on crewing!

Why on earth should you want to skipper again?

You will not be able to sleep at night when at anchor, you will have to remain calm while explaining to your crew that they must not jump on the quay with the whole mooring rope coil in their hands; an additional few degrees of heeling while trying to take a nap will have you mumbling please please please no reefing yet please; you will be the only one worried by a distant cloud...

All this for the privilege of being the nearest authority to god, that is the only person aboard knowing how to unclog the toilet...

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When in doubt or confronted with problems, spend lots of money. It will earn you many friends, especially chandlers, equipment suppliers, fitters, boatbuilders, even brokers, all of whom will further help you with their friendly advice. It will also earn the respect of your crew, altho footing the bill for your crew at bars and restaurants also helps.

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Be on top of your game.

Tell people what and how you intend things to be done.

If you make a mistake be honest about it.

Have no sex's on your boat. Equal opportunities.

Find jobs for everyone. Even the duffers.

Never show your fear or your anger.

Do shout if thats what's required. It's people who shout all the time who look pratts.

Remember everyone is there to have a satisfying time and a bit of fun.

Have fun yourself.

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Think about everything you and your crew are doing before they do it....think about what can and will go wrong....tell your crew what do do if it goes wrong..that whay you won't have to shout as they will already being doing what they need to do...!!!!


I reall do hate skippers who shout..!!!!!!!!!!!!111

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< footing the bill for your crew at bars and restaurants also helps.>

Can I come and crew for you? ?

You sound just like the kind of skipper I would really get along with ! !

Jim

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I find strutting around the deck shrieking like Captain Bligh is most theraputic. Keelhauling any dissenters in the crew also helps.

Of course I mostly sail alone.

Martin

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< footing the bill for your crew at bars and restaurants also helps.>

Can I come and crew for you? ?

You sound just like the kind of skipper I would really get along with ! !

Jim
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Any plans to be a skipper are now on hold!


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Keep them safe and bring them all back.

Good food.

Good fun.

Keep calm.

Give them responsibility.

Lastly and most importantly go to the Doctors because in wanting to do it you have probably proved your insanity :)

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Doctor?

>>>>Lastly and most importantly go to the Doctors because in wanting to do it you have probably proved your insanity :)

That issue has been well beyond doubt for many years :-)

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