The search for perfection inhibits the sailor.

[Peppermint]

If I carry out a perfect passage, no matter how short, it would be noteworthy. I'm quite good at docking and buoy pick ups and all those other little things that give quiet satisfaction but perfect, no. " Good enough for government work" suits me, and provide no harms done it's quite a liberating phylosophy.

I detect in many people I sail with, and watch sailing, a tendency to try to do things perfectly. They get very down on themselves if things don't quite work out to plan and often share their displeasure with the crew, loudly.

I wonder if this quest for perfection isn't a bit inhibiting? Why try anything that might not work out? Running aground for example or "using" your fenders are seen as sins which is a shame. I've learnt so much when things go wrong.



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[Twister_Ken]

Imperfection rules

It's only when you've got a riding turn, the anchor's jumped off of the stemhead, your best fender is floating 50 yards back, a split pin has just fallen into the cockpit from somewhere on the rig and your trouser leg has caught over the gear lever that you begin to learn.

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[bedouin]

Do you often achieve perfection then?

I'm not sure whether to envy you (because you are such a brilliant sailor) or pity you (because your standard of perfection is so low).

Me, I doubt if I will ever achieve perfection in anything I do - there will always be room for improvement.

I have a minimum standard that must be attained - viz to navigate safely from A to B without damaging anything or endangering anyone. I do not necessarily regard touching the bottom or using a fender as a fault.

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[Sybarite]

As the French say : "Le mieux, c'est l'enemi du bien"

John

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[Peppermint]

Re: I\'d stick to the envy.

And read my post again.

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[kingfisher]

My moto:
Any landing where you can walk away from, is a good landing

<hr width=100% size=1>Group of people on the pontoon: skipper is the one with the toolbox.
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