How to be a first-time skipper

MATTHEW DIGGLE started sailing after signing up for the 2011-12 Clipper Race. Since then he’s cruised in UK waters and off the Italian and Croatian coasts

For anyone who is new to sailing or who crews for someone else, following the RYA training path and becoming a Day Skipper is an excellent way of taking your sailing to the next level. It shows that you understand the fundamentals and can take on more responsibility when other people feel daunted by the thought of being responsible for a boat and its crew. It’s a pity that it can seem so intimidating as not much beats the feeling of being in charge of a boat, deciding where to go, and taking the crew on an adventure. And there’s a real sense of accomplishment at the end when you bring the crew and boat home safely. With a bit of preparation and planning, it is well within most people’s capabilities, especially if you don’t bite off more than you can chew for the first few trips.

Preparation is the key. Simply put, you have to decide where to go, who to go with, and how to get there. I thought it would be useful to share the lessons I’ve learned as I have gone through this process myself, for those considering taking their first steps as skipper.

CREW

Sailing boats are not particularly spacious down below so I generally don’t try to fill every berth onboard. Even so, it is vital that the crew can get along together and this means that you have to choose who to invite carefully. This is often a bit of a juggling act, trying to coordinate different people and boat availability, so in the end you’re unlikely to be able to please everyone. Just offer some reasonable options and hope for the best.

It is also important that people know what to expect, so they don’t sign