The best skippers make it look effortless.
It isn't. It's the result of a quiet routine that happens before anyone else is awake.
Planning is not paperwork. Planning is what lets you enjoy the day without a knot in your stomach.
The Six Questions Every Skipper Asks
What is the weather doing — now, this afternoon and tonight?
What are the tides and currents doing where we're going?
Do we have enough fuel — plus a reserve for the unexpected?
Who is the crew, and what can they realistically handle?
Where are we actually going, and what does the trip look like at each stage?
What is our contingency if something changes?
The One-Third Rule
A third of your fuel out. A third back. A third in reserve.
The same principle applies to daylight, energy and the crew's patience.
Telling Someone Ashore
A trusted person should always know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
Not to worry them. To make sure someone raises the alarm if you don't return.
- Have you checked at least two weather sources this morning?
- Do you know the tide times and directions today?
- Have you told someone ashore your plan?
- Do you have a plan B if the weather turns?
- Does your crew know the plan — not just you?
- A short, honest plan removes most on-water stress.
- Weather, tide, fuel, crew, destination, contingency — the six questions.
- The one-third rule protects fuel, daylight and crew energy.
- Someone ashore should always know your plan.