We are talking skippers now, not crew.

Courage is diffucult to define. I view courage as
doing something that might get you killed, despite the
known risks. Would an outstanding skipper do
something so risky as to possibly lose his/her life?

Skippers have no business doing anything risky,
except as a last resort.

A good skipper doesn't have fear, because he/she
always has a backup plan. When you are leading
you are making decisions about actions. Actions
conqueor fear.

Recognizing the dangers of a situation and staying
calm--is that courage? Or is it level-headedness?

"Capt. Neal®" wrote

"Joe" wrote
|
| Having worked beside and for 100's of skippers I can tell you when the
| **** hit the fans having courage can save you and your crews life. And
| a coward can get you all killed.
|
| And I would not sail with anyone who makes declarations that he's never
| afraid. I do not like liars. And if he's never been afraid at sea, then
| he hasen't been to sea long enough to know sqwat .....and is no one I
| would trust.
|
| The most courage you can see is a man or woman doing his or her job
| despite the fear.
| Thats what makes them "Outstanding" IMO.
|
| Joe
|

But, is it not generally understood that fear causes degradation in clear
thinking? And is not clear thinking of paramount importance in any
emergency?

CN