Foreword
Boating is a family sport, to be shared, and savored by all. But the sea can be a strict disciplinarian, particularly to the unprepared, and your enjoyment will be in direct relationship to the crew's ability to meet the challenges.
Competency in all aspects of seagoing life is not usually attainable by a single person - in fact, the most effective crews, and the happiest families, are those in which the acquired skills complement each other. Adam Smith's theory of the division of labor, while sometimes considered old-fashioned by shore bound advocates, has a long and successful tradition at sea. This is not to discourage any family member from developing skills in every facet of the art - quite the contrary the learning process is one of the best pars of the sport-- but rather to suggest that each concentrate first on the things he or she does best. There can only be one captain and one mate, and the tasks are equally important, even though the role of the mate often plays second lead in accounts which tend to glorify the skippers' position of authority.
This book will reveal the many skills demanded of the mate and help you attain them, thereby contributing in a major way to your families' and friends' enjoyment afloat. I say, "Hats off to the Mate!" I hope you develop into one as good as the author who condescends to sail with me.
Stafford Campbell - from Amzon