Ryan is gone, and things don't go well. #30
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- Опубликовано: 12 янв 2019
- Ryan’s podcast with Andy Schell about risk management in aviation applied to sailing:
poddtoppen.se/podcast/1339636...
itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/h...
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I was really excited at the idea to sail our sailboat without Ryan, and take the role of the skipper for Polar Seal’s last passage of 2018, between Estepona and Almerimar.
For this passage, I had the help of a good friend with A LOT of experience who wanted to bring his new girlfriend onboard.
I had thoroughly prepared our 100 nautical miles passage to our winter spot, and my only concern was how I was going to manage interpersonal relations onboard. My friend was older than me, had so much more experience than me as a sailor, and I had no idea who his girlfriend was. And I did end up having to deal with some crew problems.
The navigation itself went really well, and we enjoyed a beautiful sail along Costa del Sol in Andalusia. But a few hours after we left the dock in Estepona, the girlfriend asked to be dropped off the boat, which I wasn’t expecting at all. That was the beginning of a less fun time onboard for all of us, which I talk about in this video.
By respect for my friend and his girlfriend, I excluded their names and any clip showing them. Although I do have footage of the actual disagreement, I chose not to include them, as the purpose of this video isn’t to show drama, but rather to share the lessons I learned from this experience.
My friend and I are good, and this was definitely not the last time that I skipper Polar Seal. But next time, I will make sure that expectations are aligned long before we have crew, and deciding if they will sail together or not.
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** MUSIC **
🎶 In this video:
North Temple - Samuel Scott McCumber / north-temple
Love it or Leave it - Martin Hall feat. Dina Smith - Epidemic Sound
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So what do you guys think?! How do you manage expectations as captain on your own boat, or as crew on other people’s boat?
No discussion. YOUR boat = YOUR rules. Make that clear before sailing. Once at sea, it's your call how you handle the situations that arise.
Agree entirely. I once had the owner of the other 50% of my yacht ask me to take him and son on an overnight passage to regain their confidence after a scary incident. I made it 100% clear that he HAD to obey my instructions. It is incredibly simple when you consider this... if a serious accident occurs, who is going to be in the firing line in a court case, where all decisions need to be justified? Yup, the skipper of the vessel. At one stage, when I stopped hm from adjusting his harness while sitting on the cabin top within range of the boom, he told me "I am sick of you telling me what to do" I replied that I would ban him from coming on deck if he wouldn't comply.
As it transpired, his son, when a wave caused an unexpected gybe (while running downhill on a moonless night), got hit with a (luckily only) glancing blow by the boom. He was hit hard enough that I was concerned about possible concussion, so watched him very carefully for the 4 hours it took to reach our detination.
His father shut the F up after that.
"It is my ball, so we play by my rules."
If they don't like that, they should be able to shut up and deal with it for 24 hours. You were beyond gracious to drop her off instead of putting her in the dingy and wishing her well.
A handout of instructions & procedures is a nice idea but I suspect she would not have read them.
I recently did my Yacht Master Offshore. You can’t ask people to follow these rules. You TELL THEM. The skipper is THE SKIPPER. No discussion. No debate.
i have a rule if your are in my car you wear a seatbelt and we go now where until everyone is buckled up, period. I see no difference your the Capt. and what you say goes it for everyones safety. : ) peace PS: my dad worked tug boats internationally towing, freak waves happen trust me, people get hurt.
They're called "Ship's Standing Orders". Not suggestions.
Everyone must sign "The articles" or they don't go.
Sounds like the Navy, eh?
Well, there's a reason... They work. You Go Girl!
D'accord. I'm something of a stickler regarding safety on my boat as well. The rules of the boat are the rules and they should be followed. Rule #1: The skipper knows best. Rule #2: If there are any questions, see Rule #1! Well done Sophie.
as a retired US Navy Chief, there is a major rule that has to be followed. As the Captain goes, so goes the Ship. Any questions?
Aye, Chief! And Thanks for all the years Getting Shit DONE.
Unless it was an emergency the sail plans wouldn't have changed. The princess could remain below deck and ride it out until the planned destination was reached. Otherwise, it's a good swim to shore and that lifevest will come in handy. IMHO she was rude to you by expecting you to accommodate her. You took the high road and I commend you for rising above. But, as you said, a written document will avoid this type of incident by spelling out rules and expectations. Good Job Captain Sophie 👍
If the girlfriend can swim I don't see the need to turn the ship around. You are a much nicer person than me.
You have matured as a sailor and a captain. Seems like yesterday you were unsure and nervous.. now you are ready to do a Solo.. great growth Captain
Thanks for the nice feedback Hans! That is true, I started quite nervous. Solo won't happen tomorrow, but it definitely is a goal! /Sophie
Wow. Watching you that healed over and cooking, eating & loving it. What a huge progression. Well done.
Glad you posted this video! Boat and skipper rules apply period, sometimes have to be forceful, very forceful with them. Better someone pissed off who arrives alive. Congrats on another great stepping stone. Now you can do it all, so all Ryan has to do is eat and sleep on passage, lol
That's the goal! If anything was to happen to me or Ryan during a passage, we need to both be able to deal with the situation on our own. Thanks for the nice comment! /Sophie
Totally agree, Sophie! When you are aboard a vessel that is not under your command, you follow the standing safety and security orders laid down by the skipper of that vessel. No arguments, no disagreements. If you don't like them, find another boat!! Well done for skippering your boat safely to it's destination. Enjoy your winter break.
Your boat, your responsibility, hence your rules...Great to see that you take your own and others safety seriously...Great channel guys!
My wife and l went on a one week charter with another couple who were the owners. They had a one page document you are proposing. I thought it was quite prescriptive, however, also understood the responsibilities they were taking on. Received it well before the voyage and had no issues complying as it was well spelled out. Your video provided an insight from the perspective of a Captain. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Peter! :) /Sophie
I like your approach. And remember, my Father used to say "No is the hardest word to master in any language!"
Risk management is so important in what ever we undertake, there is 2 other words that Sophie can use in her safety pac, “non negotiable’s”
It doesn’t matter if the people that step on their boat think that the non negotiable’s are overkill. Sophie and Ryan have their minimum standards of safety that they won’t go below,
if people don’t want to adhere to to their minimum standards well they aren’t being forced to step on the boat. I congratulate Sophie and Ryan for their safety standards.
We’ve since published a page on our website that outlines what you can expect when you come sail with us. No one comes onboard without having read it and agreed to our rules!
Sophie honestly, I would have thrown her over board...I would have thrown her the life jacket ! 😁You handled it so much better than I would have. Your show has become my top sailing channel because you're both honest, hard working and content, and very respectful of your audience for camera shots. (not into watching click bate shots) I enjoy the music and your comic relief especially in tough times. Wishing you calm seas and good winds. Safety first always.
You are absolutely right insisting that life jackets are worn and that you are tethered on during the hours of darkness. Don’t compromise on these standards just because they don’t agree.
It did strike me as a "go take a long walk off a short plank" territory. How do you even argue with that rule? The stats are pretty horrible if you look at them, too many sailors drown in harbours, or in light winds and so on for me to feel comfortable saying "oh, it'll never happen to me". And the obvious answer from the skipper is "too right it won't, because you're not coming on my boat unless you obey the rule" :)
My nighttime/offshore sailing took place before inflatable lifejackets became so readily available. I would tend to suggest that being tethered is hugely imprtant, and now there are lifejackets incorporating harnesses, there is simply no reason to avoid wearing one.
BTW, it is too easy to overestimate the safety of the cockpit compered to the foredeck... I was once sailing offshorfe (in the darfk), with the rest of the crew asleep below. All of a sudden, a giant wave hit the windward rail (with more than 6 feet of green water above it). The impact tipped the boat so far that none of the water went in the cockpit, but the mainsail was soaked to six feet above the boom. I had been sitting on the windward deck, steering with a tiller extension, and I got swept the full length of my safety tether to the rear pulpit. Once the wave passed, everything returned to normal. I don't want to imagine the outcome if I had not been tethered.
As you mentioned, the best thing to do, is to clear things out right from the beginning. You openly inform the people what to expect and what not to and that on your ship you are the boss since whatever happen you are the responsible one no matter how experienced or inexperience the crew that sailing with you might be. So, make your self clear from the beginning to avoid discussions later on. You can even take it further by making some kind of paper with "boat's rules" where people read it through and sign under. But they don't even have to sign. It is just that. written things one can always go back to instead of: I have told you!
Good learning experience for you. Even here on the San Francisco Bay, I always email new crew a "Pre-Sail Briefing" document for them to read, which includes things like what to bring, what to expect, what to do in an emergency, how to communicate, what the sail plan is, what the weather forecast is, etc. We review this on board before departure as well. One of the last things I say is that the boat is a democracy until it isn't; then I'm in charge and they must do exactly as I say, for the safety of the vessel and themselves. (People can make a suggestion or we can vote - but even simple things like "what's for dinner" are subject to my veto power as captain. In your case, someone can suggest "Let's drop my friend off" but I would have definitely vetoed and said no, unless it's a medical emergency.) Separately, I'm very pleased about your attention to PFDs and tethers; we do the same here on the Bay and on ocean passages. As a sailing instructor, I get frustrated by youtubers who minimize the safety aspect of sailing and make it look like it's just booze, bikinis, and beaches.
You're absolute right. We also follow these very same rules on our boat. I have 40+ years of sailing experience and my worst nightmare is to lost someone in a MOB situation.
Absolutely love music choices of this vid. Had a similar situation onboard for a day sail one year - I warm guests (not crew) to not over indulge the night before an offshore sail- who have never sailed. Knowing that they got hammered the night before- I made sure that they still felt well to ‘sail’- they assured me their YEARS of lake boating was sufficient and to please carry on, and somewhat belittled me in front of the crew. That said- she was a friend of a gal I had been dating- so we carried on and out to sea... 1hour out of busy shipping channel- she went down below-and came up green- she then requested to pee on my Teak decks because she had to dash upstairs. Needless to say- I said -a ‘colorful’ No- and told her to hold her breath and dash for the head... After which-she puked 🤮 for the next two hours, and tried to manipulate others on board to convince me to turn the ship around... Those there that knew me - reminded her of my warnings, and that she needed to just suck it up... Lessons learned- people who over indulge in alcohol really DO NOT fit onboard my vessel or lifestyle- they become a liability for both ship, crew and captain. I was grateful we were less than 10miles offshore... 🙏
That sounds HORRIBLE. And it is a good point: no unreasonable amount of alcohol before passage... /Sophie
Hello Sophie; You experienced a all too common problem when having to deal with a difficult (self centered) crew member. Allow me to say what I would do facing a similar situation: first I would explain to everyone what expectations are required from each crew member. second when faced with the request to drop someone off or change course for any reason other than a emergency (as recognized by the captain) I would tell the crew the request to change course is refused. As captain you have the authority to make such a decision and your crew has to obey this by law. They have two choices....... either to continue as you have directed or to start swimming!!! As for the problem of their refusal to wear floatation devices. Again you have the authority to direct this rule. The problem may arise as to how to enforce your will upon your crew can become a issue for you.......ie tell the crew that failure to obey their captain may then require you to radio the coast guard and report their behavior to the authorities (similar to a mutiny.... etc.). You as captain do have this authority.
However I after experiencing such a stressful experience with such people, would not consider them my friends in the future and I certainly would not allow them back onto my boat. They demonstrated they were not respectful to you and the position of captain and the authority that goes with that position.
I hope there is something in my notes to you that is of help in the future. Sincerely, John Templeton
PS I love your blog
Hi John! What I did not show in this video is how both of the two (my friend and his girlfriend) were almost "rallying" against me in the lifejacket question prior to her asking to be dropped off. So by the time she asked, I was shocked but figured that dropping her off would create less problems than potentially having to deal with more serious disagreements further on in the passage. What I did wrong was to not stop the boat in Marbella when I dropped her off, as my friend didn't display the best of attitude afterwards. But you live, you learn :) Thanks for your feedback! /Sophie
Hi John! What I did not show in this video is how both of the two (my friend and his girlfriend) were almost "rallying" against me in the lifejacket question prior to her asking to be dropped off. So by the time she asked, I was shocked but figured that dropping her off would create less problems than potentially having to deal with more serious disagreements further on in the passage. What I did wrong was to not stop the boat in Marbella when I dropped her off, as my friend didn't display the best of attitude afterwards. But you live, you learn :) Thanks for your feedback! /Sophie
Hi John! What I did not show in this video is how both of the two (my friend and his girlfriend) were almost "rallying" against me in the lifejacket question prior to her asking to be dropped off. So by the time she asked, I was shocked but figured that dropping her off would create less problems than potentially having to deal with more serious disagreements further on in the passage. What I did wrong was to not stop the boat in Marbella when I dropped her off, as my friend didn't display the best of attitude afterwards. But you live, you learn :) Thanks for your feedback! /Sophie
agree with all the sentiment. Captain’s rules must be obeyed. The ‘authority’ word is an interesting one because it will often have no more weight than the captain’s right to kick someone off the boat. If you contact Coastguard in many countries they will not be interested in a disagreement unless you need rescuing from a life / vessel at immediate risk situation. That won’t include the kind of situation with a difficult unreasonable crew member not following safety rules.
I absolutely respect and admire (and share) your safety procedures. Guns, swimming pools, sailboats, dogs... there are many things that you have to have a safety plan for in advance or you can wind up dead, or seriously injured. Sometimes you have to care more about other people's safety than they sometimes care about themselves. Good on you!
YOU did everything right, Captain Sophie. In the matter of the Girlfriend, she wanted off because she couldn't compete with your beauty, charm and incredible sense of humor. In other words, elle était Jalouse! the Old Coastie
Haha! Merci John :) /Sophie
I think you have solved the riddle. The green eyed monster. She was jealous.
There's some crazy people hitching rides in the ports. If you're going to be picking up crew it might be a good idea to have a taser and straight jacket in the emergency kit.
You are spot on with Polar Seal's expectations. If something bad should happen, you are the captain and thusly responsible for it.
On a side note: How do Europeans learn a second language? Are children exposed to it at a young age in school? Or is is mostly acquired on one's own? Your command of English is a joy to listen to.
Well said Sophie. I'm glad you spoke about this issue.
We have a similar rule. When the boat is moving everybody wears their PPS (personal protective safety) equipment. The specific PPS to be worn or used is determined by the captain. As others have said these are ship standing orders. They are not optional or negotiable.
We have been put in the same situation as you where guests on board refused to wear their PPS kit. My response, as captain, was to inform them that their decision implies they will self rescue because we wont put the vessel or crew at risk because of their non compliance.
Their decision also implies that there is no liability on the vessel or crew from other issues they may face as they are unable to follow orders or instruction.
Well done ‘skipper’. And another great video too.
Sophie is an awesome skipper.
Aw thanks! :)
I don't have a boat, but have sailed on passages (and am signed up to help deliver a boat from the BVI to Denmark this spring. There simply isn't any question - if you agree to crew, you agree to abide by the skipper's rules. Good skippers will make those expectations known ahead of time so that everyone knows what they are signing up for. This was a great video (as all have been - I love this channel.) Great job on the introspective look at your own development.
Hi Sophie!
I love your channel. I have sailed for decades and thousands of miles and have never run into what you describe. It's not that I am a better captain than you, but I anticipate the worst from people because of stories like yours and the fact that what people don't know allows them to become a pain in everyone's ass.
I make safety, my policies, rules and expectations a clear part of every exploration days or weeks prior to leaving. As some say here, if we sail together, you read, agree and sign off - period. I make it clear ahead of time that these are for the safety of the crew and vessel and will not be deviated from for any reason by anyone - including myself. So, don't ask. It's a non-negotiable and not a game. We then have a blast sailing!
Consider your standards and practices an uncompromising framework that drives a safe, fun and fascinating trip - and make your crew responsible for enforcing them with themselves and other passengers. Take the time to develop them properly down to boat shoes and what to do with tampons and condoms. It works well when passengers realize you aren't playing and also know what to do.
I often have fun quizzes throughout the trip and always put everyone to work doing something on the yacht. Each day a new team is responsible for cooking a meal. People take that very seriously and come to play. We eat great and that night's chefs have a purpose with high expectations. It works well for everyone.
I guess the main thing is that my passengers are excited about the trips we undertake because we have fun - safely. I never dumb anything down. I always have a safety brief, drills and cover the complete trip in full detail before we leave on the charts with high and low points along with expectations. Everyone knows our waypoints and becomes fully engaged and usually follows along on the maps, charts and radar. They ask questions and learn. I put them behind the wheel. For some strange reason people love that. It's like a scavenger hunt or game of sorts. Keeps it fun and it keeps their minds where I want them to be.
Keep your passengers informed, engaged and busy! It keeps mal-de-mer at bay, gives them focus and lets them become an integral part of the trip. Each night I expect several Haiku's from each passenger inspired by their trip that day or so far. People live for this! I am always surprised at what comes from them. Magical! Everyone looks forward to it as a highlight of the day.
I never allow alcohol at sea. Ever! No shouting, fighting, no children under 12. Everyone must be able to swim and save themselves. No bitching or whining ever! Lots of common sense rules. No one ever complains - except a few wanting a drink every now and then. They get over it.
You're doing great, Sophie! Never stop learning.
The rules of any ship is based on the Skippers decision and as you say, on passage is not the time to discuss them but suggestions are always welcome when tied up quay-side or at anchor.
You are so correct that it is the best kind of correct!!
Your boat, your rules. I don't cast off unless everyone is wearing a PFD. Growing up watching the occasional difficulty power boats had locating skiers in daylight combined with how many times I've capsized small racing craft has me convinced. Stay safe!
We miss you also such a good topic and you handled it so well. Your presentation of daily experiences that you and Ryan have is refreshing and honest. Thank you
Thanks Billy! :) /Sophie
Confidence as a captain will grow and you have got everything in control. You tell great stories and I love watching your show, keep it up.
Thanks Mitch! /Sophie
I promise to obey every rule if we ever sail together! (Every thing you said is extremely reasonable.)
Thanks Diane! I don't think our rules are completely crazy either :) /Sophie
Being a pilot and flight instructor for 40 years, resource management plays a huge part for common sense flying. It applies to the pilot and required crew, but in a boat I can see it apply to everyone that is on board. For once I wish I was in Iowa. Love your videos, like you guys! or is it the other way around? Oh well. Cheers! :-)
You are definitely right on all counts, and yes, safety should always be first order of the day!
There are no kings and princess on sailboats if they value their life!
Plus... you are the skipper.... which, on a boat gives you every rights!
By the way, I note that, compared to earlier videos your stress level has gone considerably down, along with the sea sickness!
Cheers
Godspeed
I loved your video and the fact that you provided the straight goods on what happened during the passage. I totally agree with your approach. There is a young couple, Elayna and Riley, who sail of La Vagabonde, the most watch sailing vlog, who rarely wear their PDFs when sailing on passage. It takes the smallest thing to put you off balance and over the side and if you do not have on a life vest or a man overboard device things can go badly as happen to the husband of one of my friends who was accidentally hit in the head when the boat jibed and he went overboard unconscious without an auto-inflate PDF and sank to the bottom of Lake Ontario with absolutely no chance of rescue. Sophie, imposing your rules and safety plan is a reasonable thing to do and I think necessary when the people who are joining you are new to your boat. Your course of action was reasonable. Personally, I would not have turned around to drop off the girl friend. Turning around can introduce all sorts of factors that can complicate the original sail plan. I would have sent her below. You were a good captain in my opinion.
Zero issues with your expectations. It's not a road trip...it's a pre-planned passage. Also, your boat, your rules. Period. Having a pre-sail "Contract" will help maintain relationships in the long run. Stick to your guns, Sophie! All the best to you and Ryan. Happy New Year.
Happy new year to you too Scott! /Sophie
Please keep videos like this coming, your style is unique and positive!
Bonne Année Sophie! Don’t torture yourself, these things happen all the time, but even when your rules as a skipper may be stretchy... your boat, your rules! Best of 2019 sailing!
Bonne année! Et merci :) Une fois le choc passé, c'est juste une bonne lecon! /Sophie
I can say you have a lot more patience than me she would have made the whole trip and went where ever she wished after. you are great in my book
You are absolutely right that there can only be one captain, and the captain has the responsibility for the vessel as well as everyone on board. Your introduction to the boat letter is often used on large yachts and is the foundation for maintaining safety aboard, it may even include what to bring and what not to bring, conservation of water and procedures in the head. Both you and Ryan May may mistakes here and there because you are human; however you both have the ability to recognize the problems and learn from them. I think the two of you are certainly as capable and knowledgeable as any professional crew aboard a mega yacht. Smooth sailing. I always enjoy your videos.
Hi Sophie
Great to see the transformation in your self confidence from the frown of worry when you first set off with Andy & Mia to the person who can captain her own vessel and assert her authority over lubberly crew who don't understand the way a vessel at sea has to be managed.
There can only be one captain, and their command must be followed or it puts the vessel in danger. That does not mean that crew on board can't suggest changes in the voyage plan and that the captain agree----- just that for the operation of the vessel the captain is in command and their decision is final and should be carried out without dissension.
Your decision to alter course and put the Princess ashore was probably the best one, although I might have been tempted to make her swim the last hundred meters!
I had an amusing experience that parallels yours. I was delivery crew on an Oyster 53 bound for the Caribbean in early November. The owner/captain was a competent sailor, and the rest of the crew were high powered business executives and old prep school buddies of the owner. As soon as we were across the Gulf Stream the captain became ill and couldn't pee--- a result of a recent surgery. With him incapacitated and reaching Bermuda as soon as possible imperative, I was elected interim captain. We were about 175 miles out from Bermuda, the substantial sea state was starting to moderate and our sick owner starting to feel better when one of the prep school buddies
asked if we were close enough to be rescued. I made some offhand comment about how much more comfortable is was now that the waves were only 12' or so, but then looked him in the eye. He wanted to have a helicopter called immediately to take him off the boat, damn the expense and sick captain. Took some fast talking to convince him that we were too far away for him to have his chariot to drop out of the sky, and the next day he managed to contain himself until we made landfall.
Thanks Richard! Your passage sounds a lot more stressful than mine though, with an actual medical situation and tough conditions. But those situations are why we will screen our crew members a lot more carefully in the future, and make it clear way ahead that unless the captain says so, the passage won't be interrupted!
1) I totally concur with life vests etc. 2) You are right on for the leadership as the Captain. 3) Where is Ryan? 4) Love you and your video. 5) You are also lovely!
Very simple, your boat your rules . Another thing I have learned about sailing is not to have too rigid of schedule. Sailing you are at the mercy of the wind. I have a hard time understanding sailing only during summer season. As a child ( a very long time ago) my parents owned a power boat and we used it year around. Today many years later January 2019 my wife and I are camping in the high desert of Central Oregon. We hiked .7 mile through nearly a foot of snow to reach several Geocaches in the morning (6280 feet elevation). Winter is a great time of the year and great for getting away from the crowds. Enjoy your winter, I will here in Central Oregon Cascades.
One of your best videos
I think the viewers were so blown away by the subject of the video, they forgot to "Like"
it. Don't worry Sophie, we loved it!
Thanks G King!
I'm glad you enjoyed cooking at 20 degrees heel. Looked more like nice weather for sandwiches to me :)
I know... I figured it out too late :p /Sophie
Discovered your channel not so long ago and am going back to watch earlier videos so I get to know your story etc
I’d suggest creating a contract that spells everything out very clearly (like you do in this video❣️) for landlubbers and salty dogs alike and then have people read it and sign and date it before they come onboard.
The last sentences appearing before the signature line should say something like
“ Please clarify and ask any questions you have now because there is no debate/discussion of these rules while under sail”
“We may be related, we may be friends for many years, or we may even be brand new acquaintances, however safety under sail is our highest priority. Anyone not followng the rules will be dropped off at the nearest safe location and will be required to find their own way home at their own expense”
If someone objects at this, or makes light of it or doesn’t want to sign- find someone else - better to find out before you invite them onboard
Sophie, you did great. Love your rules. Good lesson here for all those who want to cruise. Thanks for sharing.
👍👍👍👍👍👍😍⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵
Thanks! :)
Great information for future folks that are going to sail with you. You are the Captain, people need to follow your instructions is the bottom line. I would not question the Captain's guidelines. Good job with your sailing.
Thanks Terry!
Thanks for posting. "Ryan is gone, and things don't go well"... and yet she persists. Bravo Captain Sophie! For me, the process of decision making got easier with experience, and the process of leading will get easier and better with you also. Since you persist, you will learn about persuading crew versus coercing crew, effectiveness, accountability and moral, etc. You may enjoy watching "The Silent World" where Commander Jacques Yves Cousteau demonstrates sublime persuasive leadership born from decades of experience. Here's to "woman power" and anyone else who dares to take command and lead! I followed your example and enjoyed a taco for dinner too. Thanks again and Cheers Captain Sophie! S/V Good Karma
Thank you! And I love Jacques Cousteau, I grew up watching all his TV shows and movies :) /Sophie
Great video and I agree with you once the trip begin's there is no room for discussions. When your on my boat I'm the Skipper my boat my rules. The rules are for everyone on boards safety. If I'm on your vessel, your the skipper and I follow your rules. If I'm shouting out orders it's not because I'm being an ass it's because I need something done immediately. No discussions. Keep up the great video's
You're on the right track Sophie, your boat your rules. You might also add to your "What to expect" document some sort of selection criteria. People with experience dosn't always make them the best fit. From what the video shows, well done Sophie.
Great video,many thanks well done I like it your videos incredible in details. I am too sailing alone around the world ! I wish you all the best. Fair wind !!
Love ya Sophie!
Sophie, you are always so positive, great video.
👏👏👏your ethics on safety and cruising etiquette.
For what it's worth. I agree with you 100%. No compromise.
I'm not seeing this video until 2/10/2020 as I'm getting caught up with your sail to Corsica. Sophie you did a great job handling the petulant girlfriend situation. You put her ashore as soon as possible without resorting to making her 'walk the plank'. Safety of the boat and everyone on board was the primary concern. The Captain is in command of the boat. I'm former U.S. Navy.
You are the captain of the boat. As such you make the rules and if the crew has an issue with them they don't go with you. Once you start a passage they are along for the ride. Sea sick or home sick they are stuck until you get to the port of call. Fair winds and following seas to you all.
Sophie. Your safety rules and procedures are perfectly reasonable and imho very professional. Maybe have any future crew sign a document in which to agree to follow the procedures on Polar Seal.
You are right 100%. No discussion.
Hello Sophie,
I truly, deeply and strongly LOVE your blog. You are a nice and funny girl, nevertheless very clever and smart. Thank you for posting this video, it was very interesting, and, as a sailor, I know sometimes you can be caught in this unpleasant situation, especially with “friends”.
You acted in the right way, but I would have been less kind and accommodating with that selfish girl.
It is obvious that you have to try to do the best for your crew, and try to accomplish their requests as mush as possible, but, FIRST OF ALL, you have the right to make the best, the easiest and the safest navigation for all of you!! In the absence of a real need, she would have to touch the ground at destination, as planned!
I am so glad you started again your channel. Buon vento dall’ Italia ❤️👍, Elisa
Thanks for the really nice feedback Elisa! 💛/Sophie
I had a colleague that took a short solo cruise, it was the last we saw of him. Evidently he was not tethered as his boat was found in good shape.
As many others have said; your boat, your rules. Even if your crew has way more experience and confidence than you, they need to consider that if they go over board it is you that will have to be rescuing them out of the water.
The unplanned stop on route was an interesting lesson. On first thought I would probably have agreed to the unplanned stop too. But hearing how you arrived at the unplanned stop near dusk and found the harbour was not deep enough, then the subsequent knock on effect to the rest your original passage is something I won't forget in the future.
Preparing a crew sheet for people to read before they come on board is a very good idea. It's certainly on my to do list. I seem to remember The Wynns did a video and a blog about this topic some time ago. I will write "boarding our boat implies acceptance of our practices and procedures at all times" on the bottom of my crew sheet.
Thank you for the honesty and sharing your lessons learned with us.
Thanks Martin! There was another factor in my decision which was the fact that earlier on, the both of them "rallied against me" on the lifejacket rule. I figured that if I insisted to continue the passage with her onboard, I would have had to deal with two resentful love birds and my friend wasn't necessarily on my side...
I'll share our sheet with the community once it's done! /Sophie
Good job Captain! I had a private pilot’s license and weather and navigation are very similar so Ruan’s idea is a good one. You have pre-flight/sail checks, planning for a sail/flight plan, safety, Coast Guard vs FAA. Anyway thanks
Your boat your rules which any crew should be fully aware of before they come on board.
I recently was on a trip around the canary islands on the first day of the trip (600 nautical miles) we did man overboard drills where each crew member demonstrated they could get back to an object in the water and the first thing we did before untying the lines was put on lifejackets.
We had to motor most of the first day and we stopped the boat for a swim (lifejackets off) which was refreshing, to say the least. On the second day, having observed our swimming abilities the skipper announces that whilst in the cockpit during the day we could remove our lifejackets but must immediately put the jacket on if instructed and at night we would be in jackets and tethered unless below. As soon as the wind got up and we could raise the sails it was jackets on and Tally-ho.
If I was on your boat it's your boat and your rules no question. As for diverting that's going to cost me fuel, money and time so, go get your purse/wallet.
Yet another Great video. Thanks!!! - your idea about making a 'rules' sheet is a really great one. Even, perhaps get visitors to read/sign of on it.... ? - you really don't want to toss people over board, and making them swim ashore as a realistic alternative.. only because there is a danger of prop wrap!!!
That's right! I don't go offshore with people to not have a good time, I want everybody to have fun, myself included. We are already working on that "sheet", and I'll make a video about it! /Sophie
I really don't mean to come across creepy or send the wrong vibes but Ryan is a lucky man to have such a cool, smart, capable, and certainly beautiful woman as his partner. I watch these videos with great envy that I will be able to get my wife to be excited about sailing as I am. We just bought a very similar boat, a 2016 Jeanneau 439, and have lots of big ideas but we live 2.5 hrs from our boat so at this point we have a good ways to go in terms of experience and self confidence sailing a 40+ boat. I have showed her Ryan & Sophie's videos and we agreed how inspiring they are. Thanks for these awesome posts you share.
Aye, Aye Captain. You are so right in what you should expect. Enjoy your videos. l rg
This Captain would never have.... You'll handle it better next time, you have tremendous drive. Bring it on with more videos!
Your boat your rules no argument at the start good work !!
You might be too nice to say it, but I will. That 24+ hr passage was a blessing for your friend- he got to learn that his girlfriend isn't worth much thought. Also, he got to learn that whoever the captain is makes the rules, period. Captain, skipper, owner- whatever you want to call it, it's all on you. Every last inch, every injury, every life.
Bravo capitaine Sophie. Your boat your rules. I would NOT change course unless, as mentioned, a real emergency occurs. Not long ago you were “scared” and now you’re ready to go solo 👏👏👏 félicitations Sophie, I bet Ryan is proud of you. Happy New Year guys and your followers too and best from HKG 🇭🇰
Merci Laurent! :)
Nice video giving ideas of the rule of a skipper. The skipper is always the boss and in case of safety everybody has to follow skippers advice. Maybe in some circumstances it is possible to ask the crew continue the trip, find a marina, start a trip or whatever. But the last word is skippers word!
But one point I have seen… Never use two flags under a spreader! Even if it is not N.C. and even it is not on starboard. Most of skippers (it should be all) will see it as an emergency signal, and it is international.
Fair winds
Tom
Really enjoyed this episode especially the talk about the safety rules...I whole heartedly agree with the ones you mentioned .....would you be willing to send me a copy of them for a template to use
What a genuinely unique sense of humor... bravo!! and you really had to ask about your situation? Ok... you can have some validation.. :) Good job Capt
I love your "What to expect" checklist. There have to be some ground rules. Otherwise things can get out of hand in a few moments. Especially with inexperienced sailors.
Good for you, one needs to be strong 💪 when you make decisions about what goes on at Sea. You should never be worried about putting safety first! As a captain of commercial fishing boats crew must understand that it's a privilege to be on the boat and must follow all rules not just safety. Im glad you were strong the rules are not up for discussion. As far as getting more schooling I recommend it, alot to navigating more than you would think. Love your hair! You guys take care and enjoy life
Well done, it's can be challenging but remember, be absolutely clear there is only one captain & every one else are crew & rules are there for a reason....pretty simple...have fun & enjoy.
Your boat...your rules...I may have felt differently when I was younger. I would have tried convincing to fudge on the rules, but I would have respected your wishes. Now that I'm older, wiser and don't drink alcohol...can I come sailing? :):):) Unfortunately, I can't make it to Iowa, but get in touch if you guys make your way down south to New Orleans...where it's warm. My treat!
Thanks Clay! Hahaha! I loved your honest comment ;) We've all been young! /Sophie
Ok, so the first point is that a crew briefing is required for all (new) crew members - where is the toilet and how to use it and so on... this includes emergency procedure, MOB, use of radio. Journey details and the bolt holes in the event of an emergency, including return to the point of departure as required. There is a lot that can be included but this must be tempered by the amount of anticipated participation - crew members in name as far as the port authorities and coast guard are concerned, but in reality passengers. I personally think you did the correct thing. The first rule is to avoid mutiny or, in this case, a bun fight! As Captain, your response was totally reasonable in dealing with a health emergency - severely stressed or distressed and lack of cooperation requires removal from the boat as soon as is practical without fueling the situation when physical health could be compromised. Everyone's comments below are, of course, strictly true, but any rule must be tempered by the results of it implementation, you should not use a straight jacket or other heavy restraint unless absolutely necessary! As for signing a document, this might be useful when you're recovering a dead body from the ocean... but this is not where you want to be. Give the briefing, and return to port and eject a person as you see fit. Casual passengers haven't had your training and certainly not to the extent of the commentators below, so, to a degree, you need to be patient and tolerant, and get them off the boat as soon as possible whilst maintaining that smile! Well done!
Thanks Bob, 100% with you! /Sophie
@@RyanSophieSailing Thanks for the reply Sophie... to date I've only really qualified as an armchair sailor (from last September...!) and now, after some considerable challenges we are the (very) proud owners of a aging Sweden 54 (from two weeks ago). Lots of work and then heading south in the spring. I'll let you know when so you can get Polar Seal out of the water in case I come into the marina under full sail! And yes there is a video of a charter doing just that. I'm attempting Yachtmaster now the Coaster Skipper is out of the way and most of this discussion has been covered by my (very) senior tutor. You have both covered some very interesting topics in the blogs and it's fascinating to see the learning curve and professionalism that has ensued. I just hope I can do it all justice similarly.... Oh, and again, the videos are terrific - keep smiling, it's intensely addictive for all us would be's out here on Terra Firma.
Thanks Bob! If there is one thing that we wish we had known before becoming boat owners, it is how hard the first season would be. We had many incidents, felt stupid, and because we knew no one in the boating world, we assumed that we weren’t good enough.
I hope that your first season as a boat owner is less painful than ours, but if you ever have hard times ( or docking incidents) remember that it only gets better :)
That being said, we had some really fun times too and I wish you plenty of those! The effort is well worth the reward.
Hope to see you and your boat on the water someday! :)
Sophie, your presentation (and I'm only 3 minutes in) is absolutely hilarious!! I really enjoy your playing the figures of speech of multiple languages against one another. Go ahead, add the Swedish any ol' time.
You are the captain, your rules! As others have said!
Love the channel, really miss you guys. Wish you were visiting Indianapolis!
Thanks Michael! I'd love to see Indianapolis someday, but for now, I'm trying to get as much work done as possible ahead of season 2 :) /Sophie
Next time you "think" you might want Tacos for supper on your passage try this. Cook your seasoned hamburger and onions or whatever first. Put the mixture in a Ziplock bag and that way you can just drop it into boiling water. Make a second bag for your cut tomatos and lettuce etc. No point suffering at 30 degrees trying to cook. Happy sailing.
Totally correct, only one skipper on a boat!!
As an airplane pilot and sailing vessel captain, I have four words... You Are The Captain. Safety is up for debate only at the dock prior to the passage. A breakdown of the chain-of-command is the first step to an unsafe passage, whether by air, land or sea. I would estimate there was some other influencing factor (usually fear - even fear of not being in charge), that leads to this behavior. However, this is inconsequential. Even if it is not life and death, the captain is the Captain. I will say that we do not wear life jackets until I feel the weather dictates otherwise, or if it is night time (at which point jackets and tethers required). That being said, when I am not the captain, and I am told to wear a life jacket, the life jacket goes on. Even if it is just a show of good faith in the captain and to display an understanding of said chain-of-command. Well done. You have no reason to doubt your decisions along this passage.
Hi Sophie
Safety first, Rules second, Discipline third!
You are perfectly right! You are in charge of the vessel and crew on board. You are the Captain and you set and make respect the rules. Who disagree or can’t stand the discipline, get off! Sailing on board any kind of vessel and ship is submitted to military-like behaviour: there is the one who give orders and those who execute them. Giving orders is an very responsible position: his/her orders affect the life’s of its subordinates and of the vessel.
I like this way of doing, this is why I’ve sailed merchant ships. Now, hope to do it on a sailing vessel.
Have a nice time in Iova,
Gigi
from Dunkirk, France
Thanks Gigi! :) /Sophie
Just a suggestion, you may want to read up on Maritime (Admiralty) law. Hypothetically, if one of them had fallen overboard without a life jacket and died, you and Ryan would be totally responsible as owners and operators (captain) and could lose everything you have now and will have in the future. You could have confined them to quarters for not wearing a life jacket. If anyone on board is jeopardizing the safety of the vessel or crew (even themselves) you can take drastic measures and call the coastguard or equivalent for the country and have them removed, probably in cuffs.
Yes, I'm aware of the responsibility, which is why in this case, I had to put the friendship aspect aside and use more diplomacy and firmness than I ever had to use before. Hindsight, I should have stopped the boat in Marbella when we dropped off the GF, but I trusted my friend. But I'll get informed on Maritime law, cause that can always come in handy :)
/Sophie
Great video and fantastic advice. I would definitely be interested in seeing your "what to expect when on board our board" if you would be interested in sharing it. Thanks again.
I will absolutely share it when it's done! Video + Word document. Might not be before a while, but I'll do it :) /Sophie
You are totally correct
My friend who has a skippers license did a transatlantic on a mutual friends 65 footer they hit Force 8+ and a couple of Americans onboard refused to wear life jackets or strap in
One night my friend saw one of them peeing over the side one wave gone
So if I was on your boat as skipper your instructoions would be the law no ifs or buts
You run a great channel and fab presentations
What sort of sail plan did you have while in those 20-30 knots? By the angle of the stove, it seems like you were experiencing excessive heeling, meaning that your boat was well over powered.... Had you reefed the mainsail, in particular?
You look like you have a nice, clean galley. Do you keep it clean at sea or do you wait till things get steady?
Hi Ryan &Sophie, as the skipper you call the shots, You are a much more forgiving person than me. One suggestion perhaps you should buy a plank. Fair winds and calm seas, Reg
Hi Sophie.
This is the first video of yours that I have watched. I agree with you whole heartedly. You had stipulated the rules before departure, if there was any disagreement, they should have been vented before departure, particularly because yours were very sound rules. It's a shame you had encountered this but I'm glad it hasn't discouraged you from continuing.
Wishing you and Ryan safe sailing and fair winds!
Cheers Hans
Thanks for the very nice feedback Hans! I agree with you 100%... we always do a complete safety, navigation and weather brief with the crew before departure, but I guess it doesn't leave a lot of time for discussion. Hence the sheet that will be sent long before passage next time.. /Sophie
Explicit, succinct, crystal clear. Gotta follow standing orders. Can't imagine not wearing life jacket or being tethered. See you on the 19th!
NOT being tethered rather
I agree with setting out rules ahead of time and having clear expectations. However, no matter how hard it is to (especially with friends) the captain has the responsibility to insure the crew follows all safety rules and other boat standing boat rules from the pre-passage briefing. I believe the failure you made was not to put your crew ashore after the warning about failure to follow boat rules and find/hire new crew! Never had this problem come up as a captain but crewed a few times with others, and always understood the rules of that boat and skipper. If I disagreed, I would respectfully decline the invite and sail on another boat. Alcohol on board during the race was a big “no” for me - even if it was hot and one beer isn’t going to hurt anybody. Rules are just words without actions to back them up. Many real learning experiences when sailing!
To be fair to them, they did not failed to follow the rules (at first). They tried to negotiate the lifejacket rule and I had to be firm. Hindsight, what I should have done, was to stop the boat in Marbella when we dropped the GF off. I should have felt that both of them "rallying" against me was a sign that even with the GF off (which I thought would solve the issue), troubles would continue (which they did).
But well... you live, you learn! /Sophie
100% with you there. A checklist or a "rule of the boat" list of conduct is almost obligatory. On my boat, it is mandatory to comply,. Of course, the items on the list are presented gently and in a civilised manner but they are not up to debate or change. All must be stated from safety rules to hygiene to duties and attention to details. So, of course, you need a "document of good conduct"! AS to the Yacht master certificate, of course, you are taking it. And, let me say, you have quite good role models "Artaud", Autissier" et bien d'autres. Go for it!
Thanks Philip! I'm excited to start my Yachtmaster journey :) /Sophie
Your boat, your rules Sophie. When you are in charge of other human lives, those lives need to play by your rules. I agree completely with your safety rules
Great vid Sophie and I really embrace your procedure and rules. Having something agreed upon in writing before coming aboard would probably help smooth things out. Not sure that I would have turned around because she wanted to......! But on well. Job well done Skipper! PEACE OUT Ü