... in moments of
stress I tend to revert....


Joe wrote:
That works if you are not married to the other Skipper.

Well, that does complicate the issue.

.... The only
time I ever struck a crew member on the helm I caught him sleeping. I
fired him on the spot.


After beating his ass, I hope.
I have caught people sleeping on watch, unfortunately it has
not been in my power to fire them on the spot. I did take
steps to make sure it never happened again though. For
example, being awakend by a kick in the nuts is a pretty
good guarantee....




If the vessel is truly in such grave danger, then a relief
helmsman should have already been trained.


Bull****.


You think training others is bull****?




Joe wrote:
In storm conditions I worry about broaching, capsizing, pitch-poling,
having windows blown in, gear torn off the vessel, injury to
passengers, equipment failures.. ect....things I refuse to allow others
to deal with.


Maybe one day, you'll look down and realize that there is no
'S' painted on your chest. What you can deal with, others
can either deal with already (unless you believe that you
are the best sailor in the world) and still more can be
taught to deal with.

A captain who drives himself into fatigue when his vessel is
in danger, after having ignored & denied others the chance
to become skilled in handing the vessel, is himself a hazard.

DSK