As the spinnaker was set and trimmed, clear, concise instructions were being volleyed back and forth between the cockpit and the foredeck. Half of us on the boat were experience sailors while the other half were still learning. So it was up to the more seasoned crew to make sure we could get everything done efficiently and without too much hassle. It’s not like we were trying to win the America’s Cup anyway, so it didn’t matter how quickly everything got put in place. We were just out to have a good time.
Later, when the fun of the spinnaker set died down, a conversation began amongst the crew about communication. It started off, of course, with stories of being on boats with people who yell, or witnessing boats with a yeller aboard, and how truly awful that experience is. We got a good laugh, but we also discussed how critical it is to effectively communicate while anchoring, docking, and setting and trimming sails. We concluded that no matter what we do aboard as cruisers, communication is crucial for smooth operation of the boat and most importantly, for safety. If we keep calm and communicate clearly, things will be a lot easier. And a lot more fun.
Enjoy this week’s edition.
