This is rough weather cruising by Bruce Erroll

Author:Bruce, Erroll
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Boating And Sailing, Sailing
Publisher: Boston : Sail Books ; [New York] : Distributed to Bookstores by Norton
Published: 1980-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

crew of one, with three incapable passengers. Particularly when it gets rough at sea, such a skipper becomes heavily overburdened. It will then be too late to reorganize, since boredom will have encouraged seasickness, and even mental confusion.

Sharing responsibilities

Whenever a boat is setting out on a voyage which might last more than a few hours, it is a wise skipper who delegates before even leaving harbour. Each member of the crew will have some particular group of tasks and can feel that his or her job is really important for the success of the voyage. Almost certainly the skipper will be able to do most of these tasks much better himself, but it is well worth accepting that things are done slowly when conditions are easy, so as to store up experience | and confidence among the crew for when the weather becomes difficult.

One of the skipper's most important functions is to hand out responsibilities suited to the experience, physical strength and

6.1 An interested crew is a happy and efficient crew. The skipper should list the jobs and responsibilities in advance and allocate them, according to ability, for the voyage.

ability of each person. The skipper should also see that each understands how far these responsibilities extend.

One person might have the title of bosun, and many a teenage youngster has proved first rate in this task. It will involve knowing about the sails and rigging, especially where everything is stowed. The bosun should also know where to find the repair equipment.

If such a responsibility can be exercised when conditions are tolerable, it is likely to lead to a determination to know all about that department with a growing proprietary interest in it. The bosun who finds his efforts are respected will have an added incentive to cope with problems, even when tired and feeling seasick.

Someone with a mechanical bent could be made responsible for the engine, with the task of knowing how to start, feed and lubricate it, and perhaps also deal with its minor ailments. Electrics could be the same or a separate department, with the need to know how to replace bulbs and fuses, besides seeing that torches have live batteries and are to hand before it gets dark.

Catering is a department, even if each member of the crew plays a part in cooking and washing up. Someone needs to plan the provisions and meals, knowing exactly

where everything is stowed.

Either caterer or engineer might be responsible for the fuel supply to the galley stove, but it should be clear in advance whose job it is. If fuel leaks out in rough weather the smell of spilt liquid fuel or leaked gas in a battened cabin may well bring on seasickness.

First aid often goes with the catering, but it should be clear, if someone gets a nasty cut. who it is that can quickly find the first aid box and put on the right dressing.

Navigation is another department, but the skipper may have to retain this as his special responsibility if no-one else knows enough about it.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.