[Kristen]

What a fantastic article — insightful, spot-on, and packed with genuinely useful tips. It’s a great reminder that sailing well—not just racing well—takes more than just knowing how to trim a jib or call a layline. It’s about emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and being a reliable, team-first crew member. Steve is one of the VERY BEST in the business. One of the things that has always impressed me is his genuine curiosity about being better. He’s already better than most… but he asks EVERYONE how they did it so he can do it better. I’ve learned alot from Steve over the years – but the thing he taught me most is ABC… always be curious.

If you want to be high on the “call-back” list (without needing a world championship on your sailing resume), here are a few more things that go a long way:

1. Be the first to arrive and the last to leave.

Nothing says “I’m here for the team” like being the one who shows up with coffee in the morning and grabs a hose at the end of the day. A simple offer to rinse the boat or coil lines neatly can earn you serious respect. It’s not glamorous—but neither is sitting on shore because no one called you back.

2. Don’t pass through the companionway empty-handed.

Heading below? Ask if anyone needs water, sunscreen, a snack, or a dry shirt. If the trimmers are grinding away and parched like a desert cactus, your timely water bottle run might just make you the MVP of the day. Staying tuned in to your teammates’ needs shows you’re not just thinking about your own job—you’re thinking about the team’s performance.

3. Encourage a post-sail debrief.

It’s tempting to hit the dock and vanish faster than a cold beer at the yacht club, but resist the urge. A short, structured team debrief is gold. It’s the time to talk through what worked, what didn’t, and what needs fixing—before the memories fade and the duct tape loses its grip. Great teams don’t let problems fester or wins go uncelebrated. They communicate openly, listen actively, and leave with a clear to-do list.

In short: sailing success isn’t just about boat speed—it’s about people speed. The faster you build trust, communicate well, and make yourself indispensable, the sooner you’ll find yourself in high demand.

Let me know if you’d like to tailor this for a specific audience (e.g., young sailors, offshore crew, coaching newsletter, etc.)!