The QUARTERDECK Sailing Podcast Debate: Big crew vs. Small crew
Aug 24, 2023
A debate on the advantages and disadvantages of big vs. small crew sailing boats. Topics include solitude, safety, skillset, and flexibility. They also discuss radio communication phrases and the pros and cons of both crew sizes, highlighting work efficiency, accountability, and crew dynamics. Sailing with a big crew is explored, emphasizing increased safety and social interaction. They also discuss the benefits of trying new roles and embracing new experiences on a boat.
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Use Short-Handed Sailing To Learn Every Role
- Do sail short-handed if you want to learn every role; fewer people forces you to perform and repeat all tasks, building broad competence quickly.
- Nikki argues this provides low-ego learning: you can make mistakes without embarrassment and gain practical hands-on experience.
Smaller Crew Means More Freedom And Lower Cost
- Short-handed sailing increases freedom: decisions on departure, provisioning, and pacing face fewer opinions and constraints.
- Nikki links smaller crews to lower cost because smaller boats and fewer people reduce expenses for everyone.
Bring More Crew For Safety And Redundancy
- Use larger crews to increase safety and redundancy; more hands mean you can rest people, handle heavy tasks, and respond to emergencies without collapse.
- August stresses that muscle, multiple skillsets, and rested crew reduce risk on long passages.