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Contributed by Tracy on Workplace in 2023
When you’re sailing you can’t just go in a straight line. Sometimes you have to zigzag to get to shore. That’s life. And sometimes, when the wind stops blowing, there’s nothing you can do but wait, and wait patiently, for a breeze to return. – Richard Bode
Last week I was blessed with the opportunity to run a solo watch cutter course with our new 4G cutter, Enterprise (or HMS BARANG BALAN as named by watch 😂). These were my learnings:
Logistically, our new boats have been equipped with oars, fenders, lifebuoys, and anchors that remain on board. This has helped reduce the amount of time spend loading and offloading.
The time can be used engaging participants with things such as framings and the history of sailing which set the stage for greater interest and engagement on board.
The participants also spend less time stowing, since they only need to learn to stow their belongings. Meaning more time to learn how to rig each sail in detail.
The boat is also very spacious, creating a comfortable environment for debriefs and sleep on board.
Anchoring the boat was also a pleasant experience as it was much easier for our 15 year old participants to manage the weight of the anchor confidently and without much stress on their backs.
The weight of the main sail and material also made the process of hoisting main sail easier for the participants to manage. Likewise, rowing and movement of getting oars into position was relatively easier due to lighter oars.
The framing I tried was as follows:
Participants were “explorers” who are the first to set sail on a new boat into 'unknown territory'. They would have to make independent decisions such as where would be suitable locations to anchor and rest for the night based on clues provided daily.
This led to many meaningful conversations and debates on board, they also paid greater attention to their surroundings such as coastlines, since they were looking for suitable places to beach up their rib.
They split themselves into roles such as ‘charters’ (those who drew the coastline and details of what they saw in the sea), ‘animal trackers’ (those who tracked which species of animals could be observed in which locations), ‘lookouts’ (those who used the binoculars to observe coastline closer), ‘ration managers’ (ensure everyone was well fed) etc. Which gave them ownership of this expeditions as explorers.
The final map they created was handed to the new crew of Enterprise this week, with words of encouragement and advice.
Some advice for future cutter trainers that has greatly helped me would be:
Have your anchoring and lesson plans ready ahead of time.
Keep an eye on the changes in weather, so you and your sails are ready when the wind (or storm) comes.
Check that your crafts (cutter and rib) and engines are in good condition prior to setting off.
Reach out early if you need assistance.
Try framings when you are ready and have fun!
I believe a lot of hardwork and thought has been put into designing and testing our new crafts, preparing resources such as our TDr, and training us for this moment. I'm grateful for the hardwork that the different units and individuals have put in behind the scenes that has paved the way for the participants and myself to have this experience.
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