We are sending this out as a reminder to all those who participate in our Fleet Captain program. The Fleet Captain program is the backbone of all our Sail Club and is one of two ways that crew members can get out on the water. The other way is to arrange a private sail with a member with skipper privileges.
The skippers in our Fleet Captain program have been selected for their sailing skills as well as their ability to impact knowledge to other members. Even though they are volunteers, they are formally tasked with covering a few topics on the Skipper Certification test. Each Fleet Captain has their own style/technique of performing this task and we openly acknowledge their valuable contribution to the Sail Club and sailing community.
When you make an reservation request for a Fleet Captain sail – it akin to asking a boat owner, that you may or may know very well, to take you out sailing and (potentially) learn something. This crew request is a very one sided request and as such should be taken into consideration when you go out on a FC sail.
If there is a long waitlist for a FC sails, several things can happen,
- a FC skipper will see this list and sign up or
- available FC skippers will be canvassed check their availability and will volunteer their time.
- ONE15 staff may may be asked to take people out sailing
- Skippers on a private sail may be asked if they can take out additional members
Confirmation of reservation can be at the very last minute and if you have a pending reservation request – you could be confirmed with very little notice. If you have a pending request and cannot make it please remove yourself off the the list.
On several occasions, we’ve had skippers sign up late after seeing a long wait list on to find out crew subsequently cancelled or even worse – crew are no shows. This leaves a very poor taste for the FC skipper is now less likely to come out on an FC sail. We have a reliable mechanism to deal with crews – no shows ranging from reminders, a $20 charge is levied to suspending that member’s ability to use the FC program.
Please do your best to encourage more skippers to participate in the FC program (cruising or racing) by bringing snacks, socializing, sharing food & beverages afterwards and paying any fees (such as spinnaker charges).
It is a privilege to have a fleet captain participate and we need to accord them the rewards for their tireless and selfless efforts.
Have you thanked your FC skipper lately!
Thank you for your attention