What is good  
If you can’t, or don’t want to master all the
SEAMANSHIP?
skills for a circumnavigation you can still
be rewarded by some superb estuary or
coastal sailing. If you are a novice, try to
get experience on a boat with a competent
skipper. Take the time to learn basic things
such as Rules of the Road, the use of safety
equipment and navigation, then whatever
type of sailing you undertake, you will be
rewarded.
Studying and passing exams is important,
knowledge is always helpful, but you
need to follow learning up with practical
experience. I once met a man who was
about to take his RYA practical Yachtmaster
Exam. He confided that he had not actually
his sea time as crew on a racing yacht. He had never anchored, ever. He was worried that
skippered a yacht often. He had obtained
he might fail. Did he pass? Yes, by some fluke of events he was not asked to anchor on
the day. His pass certificate did not make him an experienced yachtsman. It is similar to a
driver who has newly passed their Driving Test, who is not yet a competent or experienced
motorist.
In the coming months I will be writing about the various facets involved in good seamanship,
and giving some hints on how you might go about achieving this. I plan to investigate
some of the following:-
The seaman will be someone who has developed a deep knowledge 
1
and understanding of the sea and the weather.  
We will be focusing on weather systems and how they affect the sea. The cycle of
the moon and tides and tidal currents to see how we can get them to help us.
2
Knowledge of the vessel, including an ability to service and repair 
almost all of the items on board (or the ability to function without 
them if repair is not possible). 
Here we will be looking at preparing the boat, and equipment. Also the need to
do running repairs at sea.
The ability to navigate with or without GPS is essential, combined 
3
with the ability to read and plot on any chart and in any scale.
We will be looking at basic navigation and passage planning and the limitations of
electronic navigation systems.
Ability to perform all the required manoeuvres under power 
4
or sail (where appropriate).  An understanding of when those 
manoeuvres are and are not possible.
Here we will be looking at manoeuvring and berthing also at how multihulls differ
from monohulls in manoeuvrability.
An understanding of the limitations of the human body. 
5
We look here at how best to stay well nourished and warm. Also how to conserve
energy when needed, watchkeeping and sleep patterns.
 A good skipper needs to know how to motivate and teach people, 
6
and how to mould them into a team.  To be able to diffuse tension if/
when necessary. 
Here we look at communication with the crew and the importance of adequate
briefings. MOB practice and related safety topics.
»
  FEBRUARY 2009 : MULTIHULL REVIEW  21
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