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
like taking the two wheel test on a 50cc Honda then buying a 1200 Hog. I
much prefer the British system and in this one area, along with aircraft
carrier design they are far and away superior. First you have to pass
Competent Crew, Then comes competent small boat and finally after a series
of such you get to the offshore training which requires time on a larger
vessel. One of the most famous is the BOSS school (British Off Shore
Sailing) which features what, a month on board atsea I think? The only
thing we have even close is the100 ton licensing and none of that is
practical. All class and books. Hard I'm here to tell you I had to study
my ass off. But the sailing endorsement is just a few simple questions.
Then the coasties gave me a license to drive power (and by the way sail
added on) even though most of my time was on sail and very little (back
then) on power. I see many states are starting to require real training and
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 forthe 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.

Cheers to you Donal!

Michael




"Bart Senior" wrote in message
.. .
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.