Boat handling school...follow up

[Rickysa]

Found a Capt. in Chesap. Va that does just that...from his site:

"Until recently, there was no standard curriculum for professional on- water instructors to follow when teaching basic close-quarters boat- handling skills to beginners"

He's forwarded some very useful info to read prior to his visit with us in May.

Once Pops has done his course, one of our very own from here has volunteered to help him polish his newly learned skills (Thanks Capt. Erich!)

Rick

 

[Capt.Erich]

I'd be very niterested in seeing his curriculum before I help out your Dad. I don't want to "undo" any good habbits he may pick up.

 

[Traveler 45C]

I'd be very interested in seeing his curriculum also.

 

[Rickysa]

The "handout" he sent was very straight forward...

Here is what you do in a situation with no wind....now we add 5 knots of wind...all very simple common sense stuff that folks that have been at the helm do without thinking about it.

Reminds me of when I was taking flying lessons...a crosswind landing was second nature to the instructor, where I was still on the learning curve of thinking through things and performing roughly whereas for him it was fluid..

I still remember my first time I got caught stopped on a hill in my smokin' 4-speed Chevy Vega at age 16...not smooth at all.

Capt. Erich...no worries about undoing anything. Moreso having an able set of hands if an "OH S**T" moment occurs .

This guy was an educator first before he got into boating, which I think is important...

 

[Capt.Erich]

This guy was an educator first before he got into boating, which I think is important...

That can be good. I was adjunct faculty for a few years teaching Anatomy and Physiology and other Bio classes to would be nursing and pre-med students. I figured out quickly that not everyone learns from lecture and powerpoint. It was interesting becasue I had some students who were right out of highschool an some that were many years older than me starting over.

I always started out the semester with the "base knowlege test" and "the only stupid question is the one that you were too embarrassed to ask". I really enjoyed teaching but even at the college level it doesn't pay much. So I went into boating and learned how to work more hours and get paid less and love every minute. How smart was that?

 

[Rickysa]

Yep, I taught an undergrad Chem lab when I was in school and loved it...still think about going back to teaching at some point.

I think a bunch of folks with boating experience will try to teach newcomers, but have a tough time trying to relay info that, to them, is second nature.

This guy has a few principles...like "chopping" the controls, slow/short F/R movement to control position, keeping the "lee shore" in mind, etc., but just like we all know it takes practice, keeping a few priciples in mind, and his approach is to start slow, get comfortable, then add a new variable.

Sounds like fun to me

Rick

 

[Diver Down]

Capt. Erich... where did you teach A&P? I did the labs for this class when I was a grad student. I'm interested in your boat handling school. Please send me a PM.

Michael E.
1977 Hatteras 58YF
Chesapeake, VA

 

[Capt.Erich]

I don't have a boat handling school. (Although, I think that would be fun.)Rick found somebody from your neck of the woods. I'm just going to help with the OJT after his Dad has a few days of instruction.

I have done this type of "instruction" during a new owner orientation however. Sometimes when owners move up from their 30 ft whatever to a 60+ MY they realize they need some experienced help until they feel comfortable.

 

[mopester]

I am not down there but if any one needs help up in RI/CT/MA area i would be willing to teach/provide tips. I have 22 yrs years expeiriance on everything from 10ft inflatables to 110ft ships with 5000horse power. i currently drive an 87ft ship with 3000 ponies (work boat) and my three boats. I have been to that rollover school at cape disapointment on the left coast and a couple of other shools. I have tought over 150 people through work, and i host a "seamanship and boat handling" at my yacht club every other year, or on request, which is usually 10-20 people.

Buy (or make) me and the wife lunch and show me your cool hatt's and i can be there!!!
Mines out, so im itchin to feel a good boat and hear the detroit rumble

 

[Diver Down]

Can you post a name and/or phone number for your 'boat handling school' contact in Chesapeake, VA? I'd be interested in contacting this capt.

Southern Comfort
1977 58YF
Chesapeake, VA

 

[Rickysa]

Can you post a name and/or phone number for your 'boat handling school' contact in Chesapeake, VA? I'd be interested in contacting this capt.

Southern Comfort
1977 58YF
Chesapeake, VA

You bet... here is his webpage: Capt. Jim Battye

Rick