TEACHING INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED SAILORS


ON THE WATER COMMUNICATION Communication happens in a number of different ways, depending on the situation. If you are conducting a drill or game, you may use handsignals, or a loudhailer to direct the sailors. You might use a dry erase board to post visual instructions for the sailors. Shouting to and at sailors occurs quite often, and happens to be one of the least effective methods of communication.


It is very easy to misunderstand the


tone of voice and message content when the instructor is emphatically shouting out instructions or comments.


Instructors should have a safety-rescue boat that can be easily maneuvered alongside a sailor’s sailboat. Once positioned alongside, an instructor can give direct feedback or instruction on a one-on-one basis in a “normal” tone of voice. Not only does this allow the sailor to focus on the message being conveyed, but it also allows him/her to absorb the tone and emotion with which the information is being sent. Your body language is extremely important in communicating to your sailors on the water. If you are slumped over in your safety-rescue boat, seemingly bored with what is happening, it will send the wrong message. Other behaviors that may send the wrong signals are being agitated, shouting uncontrollably, or seeming visibly distressed. If you are positive, cheerful, and enthusiastic, it will help to motivate your athletes.


COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SKIPPER AND CREW


The Team Concept At the intermediate and advanced level, be sure that everything you do and say as an instructor stresses the importance that everyone in the sailboat, and in the class, act as a TEAM.


Each person has specific things they are responsible for, and in order for the boat to be sailed correctly, each person must do their job correctly. To ensure that this happens, it is important that each sailor knows the other’s responsibilities.


The reasons to cross train positions include: E Safety: If someone gets hurt or goes overboard, the other(s) must be able to handle the boat safely;


E Boat Handling: For example, if the skipper fully understands the crew mechanics of a jibe, they are less likely to spin the boat too fast or miss some “sign” that the crew is not quite ready for the maneuver;


E Boat Speed: If the crew has driven the boat, they will have a better understanding of how the boat feels and will be better able to anticipate what the boat needs in terms of sail trim;


E Psyche: Sailors who enjoy going out in their boats will sail them better. It is more enjoyable to do a variety of contributions, rather than the same old thing over and over, particularly for those who normally crew. Crews will also enjoy sailing more with skippers who understand this, and will be motivated to do a better job.


E Communication: Sailors must be able to communicate clearly and quickly -- often under pressure. There are certain terms -- special to sailors -- that make this easier. “Ease the jib; Move aft; Tighten the fore guy” are requests that would make little sense to a non-sailor. It is important that your students learn and use the correct terminology.


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