ASA and USS both copied the Brits.

What the charter companies want is your money. If you can anchor,
and motor a bit, then you can take out one of their boats. They
could care less about standards.

Michael wrote in

Excellent comment and it uncovers the basic flaw in the USA's training
programs such as the ASA style. This week sailing, next week 'offshore
cruising/keelboating' whatever and then go rent or buy something. Kinda

real licensing for small boats, too include ColRegs. What's most insulting
is the charter outfits in the US want the ASA certification when you have
the license. I think it's primarily for the tuition money as the training
isn't worth it at this point. It's time ASA and similar upgraded their
program to a more responsible level and copying the Brits would be a smart
first move.


Michael

"Bart Senior" wrote

I agree 100%. Many sailors rush through certification programs
to get to the big boats and then take out groups of people who
have never been on a boat--a sure formula for distaster.

I call in single handed sailing, with people in the way.

They would be better off staying in small boats longer. And they
can't grasp that small boats are more fun--which is a sure fire clue
that they are clueless. Big boats are more forgiving right up until
the point where things get out of control.

It always pays to have other experienced crew on board.

OzOne wrote

From my perspective most "disasters" are the result of inexperienced
sailors hiring bigger boats than they've ever even been on.
They have no understanding of handling, systems, nor sympathy for the
equipment, and often throw caution to the wind in an effort to get
that extra few metres closer to the beach or take shortcuts through
areas strewn with obstacles because they have little ability to read
a chart.