competent crew

The authors recognize that the crew of any yacht form a team, each contributing something special to keep the yacht safe and sailing, but that there are certain elementary sea-skills that should be known by everyone aboard. The navigator should be able to tie a bowline and the foredeckhand should recognize a port and buoy. If the skipper suddenly takes an unexpected swim, someone must know how to get the yacht back to him and how to get him back aboard. A basic knowledge of sea-skills is necessary for everyone’s safety.

Edition: 1991