When sailing with novices

[IanH]

Re: Sailing with novices

[ QUOTE ]
I'm a newbie...[Me too - to sail anyway]...
My attitude to everything on board was changed earlier this year when I was on a yacht involved in an accident that could have been extremely serious. Everybody on board (me included) made various assumptions which, if they had not been made, might have meant that the accident wouldn't have happened.

[/ QUOTE ] Could you elaborate on what happened and what assumptions were made?

I have found this thread fascinating and thanks to OP for posting. I had, at oone time a mobo on the non tidal thames and used to give very brief safety briefing to guests. However always found out that I had missed something vital off (like pay attention in a lock when holding a line - otherwise pushpits get bent etc). But also always felt like a bit of a patronising ass when telling people about not falling in and not fending off with bits of the body etc.

Cheers

Ian

 

[TiggerToo]

[ QUOTE ]

These forums have become the home of H&S pundits and merchants of doom.

[/ QUOTE ]

I am involved with H&S at work. So I understand some of the issues (perhaps). However, in non-commercial situations, and non-work situations I believe things should well be different. First and foremost my efforts will be directed to keep my crew safe and happy: that is NOT because of legislation or the fear of litigation, but because it is just plain common sense, as well as good sailing practice and tradition. If I really started to fret so much about these things I'd better give up and take up petunia-breeding instead (golf is way too dangerous: I might end up braining someone at the end of a particularly powerful if wayward drive).

 

[alan_d]

[ QUOTE ]
I rest my case.

[/ QUOTE ]
I thought you must be a lawyer, but I see you are a management consultant.

I rest my case. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Daedelus]

Re: Swimming

[ QUOTE ]
SWMBO Fancied a swim .. We were anchored just of the beach at Lowestoft .. Really nice day .. In she dived .. Good job I stayed on board .. She is a good strong swimmer but could not get near the boat .. So threw the main sheet in and pulled her back /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif Well she is very good at BOAT FOOD .. Roast lunch on two rings etc .. at sea ..

[/ QUOTE ]

Let's concentrate on the important bits shall we? How does she do a roast just on rings?

Incidentally the latest from the RYA is that life jackets should be worn at all times unless there is absolutely no risk.

 

[arfa]

Re: Sailing with novices

Thanks for the replies - lots of food for thought.
I think the point about thinking like a newbie is key for me as that would help me avoid making too many assumptions. I would be fascinated to hear more on the tale of your trip which had a few hairy moments - I am sure I for one would learn from it.
I also like the suggestion of prefacing instructions with "would you be so kind as to " as it has been suggested in the past that I can be a little too much to the point
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Anyway I wouldn't want to leave the forum with the impression that it was a bad weekend - it was a great weekend enjoyed by all in fairly testing conditions and we all got something out of it and there's still much to learn as far as I am concerned in the art of skippering.

 

[Danny Jo]

[ QUOTE ]
This weekend I went out with a pal who I'd sailed with on several occasions and given the same briefing to just the day before and I asked him to start the engine. He got half way through before suggesting I sort it. I asked what happens if I fall in ? I got a bit of a blank look and a similar look on VHF procedure (which is written down below).
Perhaps I am not hammering home safety enough (even though I always give the same briefing as a matter of course) but should I push safety a bit harder ?

[/ QUOTE ] If I show ten people (not all at the same time, obviously) the engine start procedure, when the the next occasion to start the engine arises, three will ask if they can do it, another three will ask to be reminded of the procedure if asked to do it, two will suggest that maybe it would be better if they did the washing up, and two will say "I'd rather leave it to you." Like everything else, you can't generalise about newcomers' ability to assimilate the safety briefing.

I am coming round to treating the safety briefing like a TV documentary series. Episode one is to say what you're going to say in future briefings, and to add life jackets, fire extinguishers, location of gas valve and mayday button on VHF. Episode two is revision of episode one, MOB procedure, engine start procedure and flares. Episode three is radio procedure, how to use the navigator, and location of all seacocks. The final episode? If there is one, I haven't come across it yet.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

[ QUOTE ]

... and with that, we say good bye to sharing a relaxing, stress-free pastime with friends.

Issuing a safety document to friends before a gentle evening sail to an overnight anchorage to enjoy a few drams???

I do see you point of view. However, I think I'll take the chance and try to preserve the inherent calm of my hobby.

TLOM

[/ QUOTE ]

Have you heard of Chris Evans?