|
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
What are the attributes of an outstanding skipper?
Take a good hard look at yourself, and tell me which attributes you feel need improvement in yourself. Tell me what you plan to do to effect such improvements. |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
I'll start with a look at myself.
Attributes: Giving clear direction. Assigning Tasks. Empowering my crew. My problem area. I find I sometimes want to see things run too perfectly or too quickly when speed is not really important. So when someone else has trouble, instead of talking them through it, I jump on it myself. That does not empower my crew! To fix this, I intend to delegate more by assigning tasks and when people have questions, I'll ask them what they think needs to be done to accomplish the task, and in the mean time I'll focus on other issues to keep myself busy. What are the attributes of an outstanding skipper? Take a good hard look at yourself, and tell me which attributes you feel need improvement in yourself. Tell me what you plan to do to effect such improvements. |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
Interesting thread. I wonder how many people will be honest about their
problem areas. I think my attributes as a skipper are giving clear direction, assigning tasks, and giving everyone equal time at the helm or whatever post they like. I believe I'm even-handed in praise and criticism, and I'm quick to praise and slow to anger. I believe in the philosophy that says five good things to say for every negative thing (well, three maybe). I think I'm appropriately cautious. I don't yell, but I do raise my voice to be heard. I think I make fairly quick and fairly accurate judgements about someone's ability, or lack of ability, to do a specific task. However, I think this is also a problem area. I've seen this happen when teaching, wherein I make a judgement about someone and am then proven wrong by later events. I believe that I need to be more objective rather than subjective. I think that the only way correct this situation, to be more objective, is to do a tally at the end of the day, a formal list, of what a particular person did well and didn't do well with, and then see what the balance looks like. I tend to go by my impression first, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can be misleading if used exclusively or in excess. One interesting side note to this is a book I strongly recommend. It's called Blink: The power of thinking without really thinking, by Malcom Gladwell. It's short enough to be read in a day or so, but has a lot to say. -- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com "Bart Senior" .@. wrote in message ... I'll start with a look at myself. Attributes: Giving clear direction. Assigning Tasks. Empowering my crew. My problem area. I find I sometimes want to see things run too perfectly or too quickly when speed is not really important. So when someone else has trouble, instead of talking them through it, I jump on it myself. That does not empower my crew! To fix this, I intend to delegate more by assigning tasks and when people have questions, I'll ask them what they think needs to be done to accomplish the task, and in the mean time I'll focus on other issues to keep myself busy. What are the attributes of an outstanding skipper? Take a good hard look at yourself, and tell me which attributes you feel need improvement in yourself. Tell me what you plan to do to effect such improvements. |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
"Bart Senior" .@. wrote in message ... What are the attributes of an outstanding skipper? Take a good hard look at yourself, and tell me which attributes you feel need improvement in yourself. Tell me what you plan to do to effect such improvements. Excellent subject Bart..... I have never questioned my leadership abilities.... they simply exist. Concerns regarding maintaining discipline, crew dynamics or control have never materialized. I have no understanding of situations where a Captain has been challenged or direction has been questioned. It has simply never occurred aboard any vessel I have skippered. The ability to deliver command without question is directly associated with the confidence and respect you have evoked from the crew. Nothing more and nothing less. No book smarts nor certifications will ever bestow that on anyone. The obligations of leadership must be recognized prior to being implemented. These include the vessel and the crew. Improvements and strong points?..... Command is a dynamic position requiring flexibility within a rigid operational structure. The dynamics change with each crew/vessel Never question your leadership abilities or commands. If you are taking time to dissect your leadership skills here.... that uncertainty will in reality be reflected onboard and will be seen as a sign of weakness. The crew's confidence is a measure of the Captain's abilities. You'll have it down pat when nobody knows who the Captain is.... but the crew! CM |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
"Bart Senior" .@. wrote in message ... What are the attributes of an outstanding skipper? Take a good hard look at yourself, and tell me which attributes you feel need improvement in yourself. Tell me what you plan to do to effect such improvements. Many good responses, but they all adhere to the old theories of management - fullfilling the narcissistic needs of the crew. Face it, the number of crews and captains that excel are few. A management philosophy that creates only with a small number of succesful crews should be viewed as a failing philosophy. I seriously suggest reading "The Art of Demotivation" by Dr. E. L. Kersten. Here's a link: http://demotivation.com/ I've seen the principles of this fine book applied in full under real team conditions. I can honestly say it weeds out or corrects the problem people fast and is of great benefit to the captains. Bob Crantz |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
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. 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. Tying a knot fast relates to less time spend on the foredeck or in an exposed position. There are situations where you can mentally plan ahead to get better performance from your crew. 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. 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. 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. "Capt.Mooron" wrote "Bart Senior" .@. wrote What are the attributes of an outstanding skipper? Take a good hard look at yourself, and tell me which attributes you feel need improvement in yourself. Tell me what you plan to do to effect such improvements. Excellent subject Bart..... I have never questioned my leadership abilities.... they simply exist. Concerns regarding maintaining discipline, crew dynamics or control have never materialized. I have no understanding of situations where a Captain has been challenged or direction has been questioned. It has simply never occurred aboard any vessel I have skippered. The ability to deliver command without question is directly associated with the confidence and respect you have evoked from the crew. Nothing more and nothing less. No book smarts nor certifications will ever bestow that on anyone. The obligations of leadership must be recognized prior to being implemented. These include the vessel and the crew. Improvements and strong points?..... Command is a dynamic position requiring flexibility within a rigid operational structure. The dynamics change with each crew/vessel Never question your leadership abilities or commands. If you are taking time to dissect your leadership skills here.... that uncertainty will in reality be reflected onboard and will be seen as a sign of weakness. The crew's confidence is a measure of the Captain's abilities. You'll have it down pat when nobody knows who the Captain is.... but the crew! CM |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
On Sat, 29 Oct 2005 00:24:17 -0400, "Bart Senior" .@. wrote:
What are the attributes of an outstanding skipper? Take a good hard look at yourself, and tell me which attributes you feel need improvement in yourself. Tell me what you plan to do to effect such improvements. For me, and maybe for many of us, much of my sailing is done with crews of varying experience. Great difference between a GORC race crew and being the skipper of record on a BVI charter with a crew of inexperienced friends and neighbors looking for a week of fun. Or an around the clock, shorthanded, delivery trip. Or a day sail with my better half (In all things other than sailing, thirty-five years and still doesn't know the difference between a sheet and a halyard). With that span, knowing what you can and cannot expect from your crew is most important. And making sure that your crew will match the event. My weakest point is reverting to a skipper who overrates a crew's experience during a minor crisis. Little squall comes up and I start barking clear direct orders to a crew who clearly doesn't know what I'm talking about. I've crewed for others as much as I've skippered. There are a few I would never go back with. Frank |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
I often take crew aside and ask them how they think
they did. In private they are quick to admit their faults Some of them elaborate, and some just admit making a mistake. I praise what they did well and stress the concept of thinking ahead. I then make a few suggestions on areas to practice. This sounds is very similar to what you do Jon. Like you I sometimes take notes and hit them with a list of things so I can get the bad news over quickly. I always try to make people feel comfortable with me as a skipper and I can think of only one time when one girl tried to cover up her mistakes--I overheard her lying on the phone to her boyfriend about what happened. On the other hand, I personally have a problem crewing for someone when I'm expected to be something between the skipper and crew. My solution is to avoid such situations and clearly define all roles on the boat. So, what did you learn from this book Blink? "Capt. JG" wrote I think that the only way correct this situation, to be more objective, is to do a tally at the end of the day, a formal list, of what a particular person did well and didn't do well with, and then see what the balance looks like. I tend to go by my impression first, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can be misleading if used exclusively or in excess. One interesting side note to this is a book I strongly recommend. It's called Blink: The power of thinking without really thinking, by Malcom Gladwell. It's short enough to be read in a day or so, but has a lot to say. |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
Who was your worst skipper? What made it
intolerable? "Frank Boettcher" wrote I've crewed for others as much as I've skippered. There are a few I would never go back with. |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
Like I said, I had doubts about some people's ability to be honest about
their deficits. -- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com "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. "Capt.Mooron" wrote "Bart Senior" .@. wrote What are the attributes of an outstanding skipper? Take a good hard look at yourself, and tell me which attributes you feel need improvement in yourself. Tell me what you plan to do to effect such improvements. Excellent subject Bart..... I have never questioned my leadership abilities.... they simply exist. Concerns regarding maintaining discipline, crew dynamics or control have never materialized. I have no understanding of situations where a Captain has been challenged or direction has been questioned. It has simply never occurred aboard any vessel I have skippered. The ability to deliver command without question is directly associated with the confidence and respect you have evoked from the crew. Nothing more and nothing less. No book smarts nor certifications will ever bestow that on anyone. The obligations of leadership must be recognized prior to being implemented. These include the vessel and the crew. Improvements and strong points?..... Command is a dynamic position requiring flexibility within a rigid operational structure. The dynamics change with each crew/vessel Never question your leadership abilities or commands. If you are taking time to dissect your leadership skills here.... that uncertainty will in reality be reflected onboard and will be seen as a sign of weakness. The crew's confidence is a measure of the Captain's abilities. You'll have it down pat when nobody knows who the Captain is.... but the crew! CM |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
Actually, my experience has been that they quickly admit their mistakes with
the other students present. Usually, I have to correct them in that... some of what they say are not truly mistakes, but rather deficiencies in experience, which are easily correctable with time on the water. In fact, most of the time, a mistake will only happen once, as they're unlikely to forget it. I usually lie about my assistant, jokingly telling the students that so-and-so has crossed oceans. More about Blink in a while. I'm off to breakfast. -- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com "Bart Senior" .@. wrote in message ... I often take crew aside and ask them how they think they did. In private they are quick to admit their faults Some of them elaborate, and some just admit making a mistake. I praise what they did well and stress the concept of thinking ahead. I then make a few suggestions on areas to practice. This sounds is very similar to what you do Jon. Like you I sometimes take notes and hit them with a list of things so I can get the bad news over quickly. I always try to make people feel comfortable with me as a skipper and I can think of only one time when one girl tried to cover up her mistakes--I overheard her lying on the phone to her boyfriend about what happened. On the other hand, I personally have a problem crewing for someone when I'm expected to be something between the skipper and crew. My solution is to avoid such situations and clearly define all roles on the boat. So, what did you learn from this book Blink? "Capt. JG" wrote I think that the only way correct this situation, to be more objective, is to do a tally at the end of the day, a formal list, of what a particular person did well and didn't do well with, and then see what the balance looks like. I tend to go by my impression first, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can be misleading if used exclusively or in excess. One interesting side note to this is a book I strongly recommend. It's called Blink: The power of thinking without really thinking, by Malcom Gladwell. It's short enough to be read in a day or so, but has a lot to say. |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
On Sat, 29 Oct 2005 13:45:44 -0400, "Bart Senior" .@. wrote:
Brother in law talked me into crewing in a meaningless club race for one of his customers. Boat was a new Ericson 29. Race was a 12 mile straight run from Biloxi to Gulfport, no turns or marks. about ten boats in the race. 12 miles of beam reach on a port tack. Milk run right? just watch your trim and your course and the fastest boat (or the one with the most favorable rating) gets the cup. About half way the wind died to nothing as often happens in the middle of the summer down here. absolutely nothing. one by one the boats threw in the towel and either motored up and went home or went into the Broadwater Marina (we were passing it when the wind died) for a drink at the bar. The skipper saw everyone quitting and figured all he had to do to win was finish. And finish we did at 3AM (race started at 1PM. No committee boat but his understanding is since there was no time limit on the race he just had to cross on the right side of the sea buoy that made up one half of the line. Now I can see this for an important race, but a meaningless pick up club race. While bobbing around out there, this fool had us doing all kinds of idiotic things to get the boat moving. For instance he had read in a dead calm if you ease forward and then run briskly aft you will make the boat move. He actually wanted us to do that. Most race skippers will provision their boats for the crew. He did not and told us when we found out before the race that we did not have time to get some food and beer. The only reason I didn't pitch him overboard was because of the Brother in Law. Who was your worst skipper? What made it intolerable? "Frank Boettcher" wrote I've crewed for others as much as I've skippered. There are a few I would never go back with. |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
What I learned from Blink... trust your first impressions backed up by
experience. -- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com "Capt. JG" wrote in message ... Actually, my experience has been that they quickly admit their mistakes with the other students present. Usually, I have to correct them in that... some of what they say are not truly mistakes, but rather deficiencies in experience, which are easily correctable with time on the water. In fact, most of the time, a mistake will only happen once, as they're unlikely to forget it. I usually lie about my assistant, jokingly telling the students that so-and-so has crossed oceans. More about Blink in a while. I'm off to breakfast. -- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com "Bart Senior" .@. wrote in message ... I often take crew aside and ask them how they think they did. In private they are quick to admit their faults Some of them elaborate, and some just admit making a mistake. I praise what they did well and stress the concept of thinking ahead. I then make a few suggestions on areas to practice. This sounds is very similar to what you do Jon. Like you I sometimes take notes and hit them with a list of things so I can get the bad news over quickly. I always try to make people feel comfortable with me as a skipper and I can think of only one time when one girl tried to cover up her mistakes--I overheard her lying on the phone to her boyfriend about what happened. On the other hand, I personally have a problem crewing for someone when I'm expected to be something between the skipper and crew. My solution is to avoid such situations and clearly define all roles on the boat. So, what did you learn from this book Blink? "Capt. JG" wrote I think that the only way correct this situation, to be more objective, is to do a tally at the end of the day, a formal list, of what a particular person did well and didn't do well with, and then see what the balance looks like. I tend to go by my impression first, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can be misleading if used exclusively or in excess. One interesting side note to this is a book I strongly recommend. It's called Blink: The power of thinking without really thinking, by Malcom Gladwell. It's short enough to be read in a day or so, but has a lot to say. |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
"Bart Senior" .@. wrote in message ... I often take crew aside and ask them how they think they did. In private they are quick to admit their faults Some of them elaborate, and some just admit making a mistake. I praise what they did well and stress the concept of thinking ahead. Good Grief Bart... that's awfully condescending. None of my crew to the man woman or child would tolerate that attitude from a skipper. Any poor performance of crew aboard a vessel is due to the skipper's short comings.... not the crew. It's not about how quick they did a task, nor is it about how flawlessly they preformed... it's about having fun on the water. A crack race crew behaves much differently than a cruising crew. The expectations of the skipper should match the conditions. There is no "I" in team. CM |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
"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 |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
|
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
"Bart Senior" .@. wrote in message ... Who was your worst skipper? What made it intolerable? Oddly enough... I pay little attention to a Skipper while crewing. Yes I'll handle the direction and complete the tasks... but the speed at which I do it is based on my perceived requirement of his call. I do not make good crew for the most part. I do not take orders well and unless I have great respect for the abilities of the Captain.. I will question his every action. Caveat - If the Captain is more experienced than I am and holds my respect.... I'm one of the best crew he/she could ever want. CM |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
"Frank Boettcher" wrote in message ... On Sat, 29 Oct 2005 13:45:44 -0400, "Bart Senior" .@. wrote: While bobbing around out there, this fool had us doing all kinds of idiotic things to get the boat moving. For instance he had read in a dead calm if you ease forward and then run briskly aft you will make the boat move. He actually wanted us to do that. "Frank Boettcher" wrote IINM, that sort of thing is illegal under the rules of racing. John Cairns |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
Mooron believes he's perfect.
-- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com "Captain Joe Redcloud" wrote in message ... On Sat, 29 Oct 2005 12:07:18 -0400, "Bart Senior" .@. wrote: I often take crew aside and ask them how they think they did. In private they are quick to admit their faults You might do better to take them aside and ask them how YOU did. In private they may tell you some things you really need to hear. Captain Joe Redcloud Mohnton PA |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
Bart is twice the man and three times the sailor that you dream of becoming.
-- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com "Captain Joe Redcloud" wrote in message ... On Sat, 29 Oct 2005 16:20:28 -0700, "Capt. JG" wrote: Mooron believes he's perfect. That may be what he thinks, but I was addressing Connie Senior, not Guy Aerts. Captain Joe Redcloud Mohnton PA |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
There are times when it is appropriate to mutiny and
tell an ass he is a an ass. A friend of mine crewed on a Baltic 42 and I'd been asking to crew on it for nearly a year but the boat had a dedicated crew. When she finally called me up, at the last minute, I had not time to bring my own drinks, or food. Usually I bring my own drinks. The owner was angry I drank some of his Sprite and starting giving me grief. I debated various options on what to do, but ultimately put up with it. If I had to do it over again, I'd demand to return to the dock, and if I was not granted my wish, I'd probably start cutting up his halyards until he complied. I later found out this fellow had a terrible reputation on the bay. If I'd done what I was thinking, I'd have been a popular fellow. "Frank Boettcher" wrote "Bart Senior" .@. wrote: Brother in law talked me into crewing in a meaningless club race for one of his customers. Boat was a new Ericson 29. Race was a 12 mile straight run from Biloxi to Gulfport, no turns or marks. about ten boats in the race. 12 miles of beam reach on a port tack. Milk run right? just watch your trim and your course and the fastest boat (or the one with the most favorable rating) gets the cup. About half way the wind died to nothing as often happens in the middle of the summer down here. absolutely nothing. one by one the boats threw in the towel and either motored up and went home or went into the Broadwater Marina (we were passing it when the wind died) for a drink at the bar. The skipper saw everyone quitting and figured all he had to do to win was finish. And finish we did at 3AM (race started at 1PM. No committee boat but his understanding is since there was no time limit on the race he just had to cross on the right side of the sea buoy that made up one half of the line. Now I can see this for an important race, but a meaningless pick up club race. While bobbing around out there, this fool had us doing all kinds of idiotic things to get the boat moving. For instance he had read in a dead calm if you ease forward and then run briskly aft you will make the boat move. He actually wanted us to do that. Most race skippers will provision their boats for the crew. He did not and told us when we found out before the race that we did not have time to get some food and beer. The only reason I didn't pitch him overboard was because of the Brother in Law. Who was your worst skipper? What made it intolerable? "Frank Boettcher" wrote I've crewed for others as much as I've skippered. There are a few I would never go back with. |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
There is nothing condescending about it, if done
in private. Most of the time it is the crew that are talking about how they did. How can that be condescending? BTW, most of these are training situations with students. "Capt.Mooron" wrote "Bart Senior" .@. wrote I often take crew aside and ask them how they think they did. In private they are quick to admit their faults Some of them elaborate, and some just admit making a mistake. I praise what they did well and stress the concept of thinking ahead. Good Grief Bart... that's awfully condescending. None of my crew to the man woman or child would tolerate that attitude from a skipper. Any poor performance of crew aboard a vessel is due to the skipper's short comings.... not the crew. It's not about how quick they did a task, nor is it about how flawlessly they preformed... it's about having fun on the water. A crack race crew behaves much differently than a cruising crew. The expectations of the skipper should match the conditions. There is no "I" in team. CM |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
"Capt.Mooron" wrote All my crew practise their knots.... then I have them all become proficent at a single hand bowline. So they can hold a beer in the other? |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
"Capt.Mooron" wrote "Bart Senior" .@. wrote 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. :-) In that particular case I would have had to muzzle my girlfriend as it took three verbal reprimands to get her to shut up. She was very new to sailing, did not understand the situation, read it completely wrong, and made a serious error in judgement. BTW, we have not sailed together since. In any event I agree with your suggestion to keep people busy doing something else as it deflects the whole situation and re-establishes control better than explainations or harsh words--which I don't like to use. You mentioned busy work. There are plenty of things on a boat that could be classified as busy work like coiling line that keep someone occupied Why don't you give us some examples from your experience. |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
So you are nightmare crew. I'll have you coiling
line for hours! grin "Capt.Mooron" wrote "Bart Senior" .@. wrote in message Who was your worst skipper? What made it intolerable? Oddly enough... I pay little attention to a Skipper while crewing. Yes I'll handle the direction and complete the tasks... but the speed at which I do it is based on my perceived requirement of his call. I do not make good crew for the most part. I do not take orders well and unless I have great respect for the abilities of the Captain.. I will question his every action. Caveat - If the Captain is more experienced than I am and holds my respect.... I'm one of the best crew he/she could ever want. CM |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
I do that. I've never had anything but favorable responses.
I've made mistakes and I'm open about discussing them unlike those who don't, and don't learn from them. How about you? I guess you are one of those who never admit making a mistake? What areas do you feel you need to work on with respect to your command and leadership on board a vessel? "Captain Joe Redcloud" wrote "Bart Senior" .@. wrote: I often take crew aside and ask them how they think they did. In private they are quick to admit their faults You might do better to take them aside and ask them how YOU did. In private they may tell you some things you really need to hear. Captain Joe Redcloud Motown Detriot |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
"Bart Senior" .@. wrote in message ... There is nothing condescending about it, if done in private. Most of the time it is the crew that are talking about how they did. How can that be condescending? Look Bart... if it's a cruising crew my only question is did they have fun and if new, did they learn anything of value. If it's a racing crew it's either "Lads we sucked backwash out there and we'll have to speed things up on the sail change" etc. I never isolate a crew member and never talk down to my crew. Respect nutures respect. BTW, most of these are training situations with students. Well if it's formal training... that's a different matter Bart. A review is part of the curriculum. CM |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
"Bart Senior" .@. wrote in message ... "Capt.Mooron" wrote All my crew practise their knots.... then I have them all become proficent at a single hand bowline. So they can hold a beer in the other? Yeah... now you're catching on! :-) CM |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
"Bart Senior" .@. wrote in message In that particular case I would have had to muzzle my girlfriend as it took three verbal reprimands to get her to shut up. She was very new to sailing, did not understand the situation, read it completely wrong, and made a serious error in judgement. BTW, we have not sailed together since. I wasn't going to mention particulars.. but I believe in this case she assumed she had the ear of the king. In other words she believed her relationship with you provided her with rank. Her mistake. In any event I agree with your suggestion to keep people busy doing something else as it deflects the whole situation and re-establishes control better than explainations or harsh words--which I don't like to use. You mentioned busy work. There are plenty of things on a boat that could be classified as busy work like coiling line that keep someone occupied Why don't you give us some examples from your experience. That is more difficult to do than I initially imagined since there are so many scenarios possible and such variety in situations,vessel and crew etc. One example was when we returning from a sail in a good breeze. It was 30+ kts but steady and the boat was properly reefed. 3 new people on board that were friends of a sailing buddy. These folks had all just passed their sailing course. My friend is a very good sailor, his skills and abilities beyond reproach. I would trust him to command at anytime. Anyway... we decided to "impress" the newbies, who had wanted some heavy weather time sailing, during our return to a well populated mooring field. We approached the mooring field under full press [having done this on many occasions]. This of course scared the hell out of the newbies. The woman demanded we slow down. I directed her to quickly break out the fenders as the vessel was out of control and requested the remaining crew to stand by along the rails to fend off while my buddy and I handled the sails. They didn't even see us laughing at them they were so busy. We tacked through that mooring field at full speed going around, in, out and about all the vessels for the next 15 minutes without a hitch... then before they realized what was happening... the vessel was brought into the wind.... I requested the newbie at the bow to hook up to the mooring and once secure we dropped canvas. We all had a good laugh over drinks in the cockpit. I spoke to the woman 2 years later and she was still impressed at the ease with which I not only ignored her objections with fake panic..... but the surgical ease at which my buddy and I negotiated the mooring field and vessels until the newbies began to realize we were having it on at their expense. She has her own vessel now and uses the same tactic. :-) CM |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
"Bart Senior" .@. wrote in message ... So you are nightmare crew. I'll have you coiling line for hours! grin Line coiling is an ongoing task on my vessel. I do not tolerate spaghetti. There are a thousand and one ways to really annoy a skipper while undertaking your appointed tasks! :-) CM |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
"Bart Senior" .@. wrote in message How about you? I guess you are one of those who never admit making a mistake? What areas do you feel you need to work on with respect to your command and leadership on board a vessel? Poor PJ only sails with his wife..... and he's hen-pecked. He has no crew.... and he's bitter about it. :-) I remember a bad call on my part in the early days of flying my first spinnaker which resulted in getting slammed twice during a run in shifty winds. The crew looked at me in disbelief when I directed them to reset the chute. I had no problem in telling them all there and then.. "Lads... I ****ed up.. this is new for me and I need to get this right. I'm there for you guys when you need me... now I need you guys there for me... put that chute up!" There was no hesitation after that. CM |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
Bart Senior wrote:
What are the attributes of an outstanding skipper? Take a good hard look at yourself, and tell me which attributes you feel need improvement in yourself. Tell me what you plan to do to effect such improvements. I look at boob**** and then think exactly opposite. |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
Bart Senior wrote:
What are the attributes of an outstanding skipper? Me Take a good hard look at yourself, and tell me which attributes you feel need improvement in yourself. None Tell me what you plan to do to effect such improvements. I have no need for improvement. It's hard to be humble when you are perfect in every way. Capt. Rob SV Cyclops Davy Jones Locker |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
Sounds like you're the one in love with men. You seem to have a corner on
that market. Of course, you're a bit angry about it, but that's to be expected by someone who's been in the closet for so long. Also, it seems like you're the expert when it comes to being gay, since you know so many of the details. -- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com "Captain Joe Redcloud" wrote in message ... On Sat, 29 Oct 2005 19:05:49 -0700, "Capt. JG" wrote: Bart is twice the man and three times the sailor that you dream of becoming. Sounds like love to me! I hear they are allowing Gay marriage in California. You and Connie can take turns being the "wife" Captain Joe Redcloud Mohnton PA |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
In no particular order:
Good Judgement Experience Knowledge Ability Empathy Courage "Bart Senior" .@. wrote in message ... What are the attributes of an outstanding skipper? Take a good hard look at yourself, and tell me which attributes you feel need improvement in yourself. Tell me what you plan to do to effect such improvements. |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
jlrogers wrote:
In no particular order: Good Judgement Experience Knowledge Ability Empathy Courage Does "Good Judgement" include foresight & the ability to keep several moves ahead of the boat? IMHO that's one of the most important characteristics of a skipper. Empathy... yes, especially as some other pointed out, the empathy to put crews to work at tasks appropriate to their skill. Courage is I think over rated in a sailor. Usually any occasion calling for bravery is due to a lack of foresight, judgement, knowledge, etc etc. Fresh Breezes- Doug King |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
|
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
Good one CM. I'm still laughing. Do you have
any more of these stories? Tell us more... It is funny that some people freak out of things that are actually quite easy. I once sailed down the river from the bridge under Mystic under full sail, gybed where the channel turned and blasted right out through the race by Watch Hill a short while later. The tide was high and it was perfectly safe and even would have been safe at low tide as we never left the channel. When I told another "Captain" about this, she seemed to think it was risky. Which immediately told me she didn't have a clue. Regarding my lady friend. I put her in charge of the galley, recommended she delegate some of the work, and left all that up to her during my last trip to the islands. She did a great job. She is a fantansitic cook and we all ate like Kings the whole trip. Giving responsibility and authority is a good attribute of a skipper. She didn't delegate much and everything went perfectly. I made another fellow dingy Captain, and he did pretty well. Although some of what he delegated turned sour on him. He asked his father to check the fuel--and he didn't--they ran out of gas coming back from town, and hadn't followed my recommendation of taking a radio. So it was a learning experience for him, and those of us back on the mothership had a good laugh watching them try to paddle in a straight line. I I think everyone benefited from the clear lines of authority. And everyone learned from the few mistakes. Paddling an inflatable dinghy 1/2 a mile will help them remember to check the gas and bring a radio next time. "Capt.Mooron" wrote Anyway... we decided to "impress" the newbies, who had wanted some heavy weather time sailing, during our return to a well populated mooring field. We approached the mooring field under full press [having done this on many occasions]. This of course scared the hell out of the newbies. The woman demanded we slow down. I directed her to quickly break out the fenders as the vessel was out of control and requested the remaining crew to stand by along the rails to fend off while my buddy and I handled the sails. They didn't even see us laughing at them they were so busy. We tacked through that mooring field at full speed going around, in, out and about all the vessels for the next 15 minutes without a hitch... then before they realized what was happening... the vessel was brought into the wind.... I requested the newbie at the bow to hook up to the mooring and once secure we dropped canvas. We all had a good laugh over drinks in the cockpit. I spoke to the woman 2 years later and she was still impressed at the ease with which I not only ignored her objections with fake panic..... but the surgical ease at which my buddy and I negotiated the mooring field and vessels until the newbies began to realize we were having it on at their expense. She has her own vessel now and uses the same tactic. :-) CM |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
Maybe I'll have you coil the anchor line in the bow.
BTW, I just heard a story from a friend. While doing a delivery in the Gulf of Mexico, they found one young guy had smuggled some pot on the boat and used up all the matched for lighting the galley fires. Everyone was ****ed. He refused to let the skipper dump his weed overboard, so they compromised and put him in a dinghy in tow behind the boat and notified him they would cut the tow cable if the Coast Guard appeared. "Capt.Mooron" wrote "Bart Senior" .@. wrote So you are nightmare crew. I'll have you coiling line for hours! grin Line coiling is an ongoing task on my vessel. I do not tolerate spaghetti. There are a thousand and one ways to really annoy a skipper while undertaking your appointed tasks! :-) CM |
The Attributes of an Outstanding Skipper
Which areas do you think you need to improve?
"jlrogers" wrote In no particular order: Good Judgement Experience Knowledge Ability Empathy Courage "Bart Senior" .@. wrote What are the attributes of an outstanding skipper? Take a good hard look at yourself, and tell me which attributes you feel need improvement in yourself. |
| All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:07 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004 - 2014 BoatBanter.com