"Bart Senior" .@. wrote in message ...
There is always room fro improvement. Albeit I agree
that a good skipper instills confidence. Things like giving
clear direction to crew that are eager to follow orders
makes a big difference. Training crew is important, if you
are like me, and want to see things done in a snappy and
safe manner.

It goes without saying that clear and consice direction is paramount to
effective crew deployment Bart... nobody would claim otherwise. I do not
demand everything be done in a "snappy" manner. The tone of my voice lends
to the importance of the task. I do not delegate that which requires
experienced proficency to a crew not experienced to undertake that task at
the speed at which it must be done. If nobody on the vessel is able to
undertake a certain task I have them relieve me and do it myself. No fuss,
no muss, no accusations, no reprimands.They will watch and learn...

During my last trip to the islands, I had two crew jumping
halyards at various times. They were each slow raising the
sail--to my standards, although it is hardly critical. Finally, I
decided to demonstrate how I did it, which was twice as fast,
while hollering "faster, faster" to the tailer to keep up. It
made a big impression on the crew and I wish I'd done it
earlier in the cruise. I'm a believer in doing some things
fast--particularly reefing.

Certainly..... but had you made it clear from the begining... further
instruction would not have been required. If I race... I use a dedicated
crew.. they know what needs to be done. When I cruise it's up to me to give
as much lead as possible so that the crew can complete the task within the
required timeframe. That's part of being the Skipper.


Tying a knot fast relates to less time spend on the foredeck
or in an exposed position.

All my crew practise their knots.... then I have them all become proficent
at a single hand bowline.


There are situations where you can mentally plan ahead to
get better performance from your crew.

As skipper you should always be planning ahead.

There are times
when a bit of training will do this also. Simple techniques
like using a crew's name, and slapping him or her on the
shoulder to confirm an order is a good habit to get into in
calm conditions, and clearly gets the message across in all
conditions, including extreme or distracting situations.

Training is on-going... not only for the crew but for the captain as well.

I can think of a time where a short order to a helmsman to
stay focused on driving, when their were all sorts of distractions
in the cockpit, would have avoided an injury. Being a good
skipper means anticipating things like this and speaking out
at just the right time.

I give everyone aboard time at all stations to better explain through
experience the effects of their actions in concert with the crew and
progress of the vessel. I will also occasionally order all hands to stand
down and stand by on the bridge/cockpit.... while I undertake several fast
tacks on my own. This gets the point across as to their relative value and
my abilities. :-)


You and I have talked about keeping crew busy as a good
technique to maintain control and exercise leadership. Why
don't you relate some of your techniques.

Yes... I believe we were discussing a situation in which you were reviewing
your response to a crew member questioning your actions. I believe I
mentioned that deployment was crucial.... in retrospect I would have
ordered all the crew to stand down and handled the vessel myself. I do not
tolerate insubordination and make certain that the seeds of mutiny are never
given opportunity to sprout. :-)

CM