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Sovereign797 · 25-01-2016, 20:04

Ok, so I am a new sailor, my whole crew is, in fact, and since the whole thing was my idea and I have done the most research and continue to, we all agree I'm the skipper.

I'm a bit of a perfectionist and especially since we're all learning I like a clean boat, a place for everything and everything in its place. Especially the ropes. I don't like lines laying everywhere, tangled with each other. I keep them tidy myself but when I'm on the helm I can see my crew struggling and it's because they take no care with their area, not because they don't know what is expected for the simple maneuvers we're doing.

My question is, should I address this or let it go and allow them to see their own mistakes? My instinct is to address it, but that may just be my perfectionism.

It feels a bit odd to act like I know better than they when we've all sailed the same amount.
When I've made mention of it in passing, the response is along the lines of, 'it's fine.'

jackdale · 25-01-2016, 20:16

In the immortal wards of my good friend Victor, "A tiddly boat is safe boat."

44'cruisingcat · 25-01-2016, 20:39

Tiddly?

Anyway, lines that can tangle gear or people are less safe than properly stowed lines.

Best to explain that, and try to instil good habits from the start.

jackdale · 25-01-2016, 20:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

Tiddly?

Victor's term for "tidy."

RainDog · 25-01-2016, 20:51

Most of the times I got into trouble early in my skippering days it was because I did not speak up when I saw the crew doing something I knew was dangerous or because I was not clear in my instructions. I learned the hard way to be very clear and always say something if I saw something amiss.

This is basically an extension of Vigor's Black Box Theory. Speaking up to your crew and communicating clearly puts points in your box.

Good Old Boat - Vigor's Black Box Theory article

jackdale · 25-01-2016, 21:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by RainDog

Most of the times I got into trouble early in my skippering days it was because I did not speak up when I saw the crew doing something I knew was dangerous or because I was not clear in my instructions. I learned the hard way to be very clear and always say something if I saw something amiss.

Leaving Hope Town in Bahamas, I told a crew member to let go of the dinghy. They did.

Ease the dinghy painter!

**skipmac** · 25-01-2016, 21:28

Agree with all. Tiddly [sic] lines are important for boat and crew safety. Messy lines laying all around can trip you or get under your feet, roll and throw you overboard or on your head. If you need to drop a sail or ease a sheet in a hurry the lines can jam.

Every time without fail, when you handle a line, when done you should immediately coil it, flake it, bag it or otherwise properly stow it.

**Paul Elliott** · 25-01-2016, 21:32

It is your responsibility to speak up when the crew is doing something wrong or dangerous, or even just not to your liking. Lead by example if possible. You don't have to be unpleasant. Be willing to learn -- you might not be right *all* the time. Be a human being. But you *must* step in when a dangerous situation happens, and don't be passive about it if a crewmember decides to not listen to you.

But know when it just doesn't matter and how it might affect the crew dynamics. Here's a trivial example:

I had a crewmember who rinsed dishes by filling each glass or bowl to the top with fresh water several times. It drove me crazy, but I kept my mouth shut. He was a bit of a problem in other ways, and we had enough water, and a watermaker, so it wasn't going to cause a problem. I decided to be content with the fact that he was washing the dishes at all. Me criticizing his technique would have made a tense situation even worse. If we had been low on water I would have spoken up.

boatpoker · 25-01-2016, 21:50

Fire them !

siamese · 25-01-2016, 22:06

Who owns that boat?

It's not clear from your post whether you're the owner of the boat. IF you're the owner, you can elect yourself captain.

Or, are you describing a joint ownership situation, where you've been elected captain? If it's the latter, then it's not so clearcut.

Either way, lines should be tidy. I can't tolerate them any other way. If I owned the boat, I wouldn't sail with people who make the cockpit a mess.

If the mess makers are co-owners, then you'll only get as much cooperation as they're willing to give. If they don't see the value in being ship-shape, you're in a bad situation.

**StuM** · 25-01-2016, 22:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackdale

In the immortal wards of my good friend Victor, "A tiddly boat is safe boat."

+1 Untidy lines are dangerous!

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Stu Jackson · 25-01-2016, 22:35

Treat others the way you yourself would like to be treated.

Explain WHY it's important that lines be neat and tiddly.

It's a safety issue underfoot.

It's a safety issue so that the lines can run free when needed. Fake or flake lines right after use and they are always "ready to go."

Mom was right: cleanliness is next to...

Pretend you're a singlehander: no one else to do it for you, right? Maybe have them pretend to do that and see what happens. Create good habits: fake them right after use.

Why & How are two different things.

Good luck, you can make it all work withut being Captain Bligh.

paulajayne · 25-01-2016, 22:36

Neat and Tiddly are the way to go.

CrustyChief · 26-01-2016, 01:15

Are you supplying the rum too!

If your the captain, and the owner of the boat, sit down and explain the rules, if they can't or won't abide, make it clear that you will be more than happy to drop them off at next port.
You don't have to be an ass, just be the skipper.