[Unknown Member]

Capt Bob – this is a powerful and well-told story, and a valuable reminder of how quickly small decisions can cascade south offshore. I especially appreciated how clearly you surfaced the breakdown of the chain of command once things went wrong. When an owner-captain invites a highly experienced sailor aboard specifically to backstop experience and judgement, clarity about who is directing the response in the moment of crisis is not optional; it is essential to the safe and well-being of the crew and the boat. Your narrative illustrates how even well-intentioned actions, when taken outside the command structure, can quickly undermine safety and compound risk. The lesson lands strongly because at sea, experience only protects the crew if it is respected, trusted, and followed when it matters most. Thank you for sharing.