Joe wrote:

How about slapping open a pelican hook loose holding 65,000 pounds of
anchor and chain flaked out on deck under a heavy strain. Its
dangerious work, but necessary, working on a deck awash, diving under a
boat in rough seas, offloading underway in a 15 ft wake, I can think of
a thousand things that are dangerious and necessary to accomplish many
jobs at sea. The Alaskan crabbers have the most dangerious job on
earth, with offshore oilfield workers next in line. Not all skippers
have the courage to do the job. They are not outstanding IMO and need
to stick to safer occupations our ventures.


Joe, I think those are good examples of jobs that take some bravery, but
not really applicable to being an outstanding skipper. Does the skipper
personally knock out the key link to drop anchor? Alaskan crabbers & oil
field workers do what they do for money. It doesn't have a thing to do
with being outstanding, only being willing to to take risks for pay.

That said, I have a high regard for most guys who work at sea under
almost any conditions. It's a tough way to make a living and takes a lot
of guts as well as some brainpower.

DSK