Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Different Perspectives

I was at the Optimist Nationals in Weymouth recently.

We had some great days with three races in some good breeze going up toForce 5. Sailors as young as 10 were on the water from 10am to 3pm. They thought it was great!

Some weeks ago I was at the NSSA Regatta in Deal. We also did 3 races but the perspective was very different. It was great racing but we were very wary of having young sailors on the water for so long. Normally we would not want the sailors on the water for more than 3 hrs at a time and a lunch break is the norm, however, launching at Deal is not easy, so an exception was made, with many warnings to the team managers not to bring inexperienced children.

Similarly, Sea Cadets regulations advise (?) against any sailing activity when winds are above Force 4. This is understandable when you consider how little time the average Sea Cadet will have in a sailing boat. It is more difficult to understand when you are used to reefing a Wayfarer and going out teaching in wind of up to 25kts (Force 6)

The problem in the modern world is whether you have the confidence to justify your decision if things go wrong or take responsibility for it. Perspective is everything.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Public Humiliation

At the championships I am currently at we have modified Appendix P so that all penalties for infringing Rule 42 are two turns. However, when we come ashore we have to post a notice giving the sail numbers of the boats we have penalised. Jokingly, someone said "for the sake of Public Humiliation"

Given the current climate, one wonders whether the sailors should not be allowed to maintain the privacy of this experience. If they choose not to mention it, why should we post a notice telling everyone, when it makes no difference to what will happen.

There is some logic to it when the penalties are cumulative, as they are reminded as to the penalty they have to take according to how many times they have infringed - but when it makes no difference? Could it not lead to bullying by their peers or coaches. On the other hand it could be a badge of achievement - but should we celebrate breaking the rules?

When you can have your name removed from Google why shouldn't you have your name removed from the Official Noticeboard? What do you think?