Charbonneau Takes On Crew

Aaron helps out with a little stainless steel polishing while Charbonneau's hauled out

Aaron takes his turn at the helm on our 3-day offshore from Norfolk to Block Island

Nothing like a little entertainment to start off the day. Aaron regales us with his special blend of songs and humor.

Time for a little rest during our explorations of Cuttyhunk Island

Janet and I spent our first year sailing without additional crew, save the occasional guest(s). We came to move as a well-oiled team. Anticipating the other’s next move, we seldom found the need for dialogue during boat-handling tasks. We had learned to rely on each other’s strengths and divided tasks accordingly. We were no longer just a married couple – we were Charbonneau’s loving crew.

So, why would we even consider bringing another person into Charbonneau’s small living space? There were times when a third set of hands would make life aboard a little easier (our friends with paws weren’t much help). Another person to add to our offshore watch rotation or help with boat maintenance tasks would’ve been welcome on many occasions. And then the most overwhelming reason, we really enjoy our newest crewmember’s company.

Our long-time friend, Aaron Sherrill, joined us in Oriental, NC on July 9^thjust as we were beginning our trip north for the summer. We had been discussing the possibility of Aaron joining us for the last six months. Aaron was bitten by the sailing/cruising bug the first time he came aboard Charbonneau during our sea-trials. He had never set foot on a cruising boat and was enchanted by the sense of freedom and personal responsibility one could have when cruising under sail. After a charter vacation cruise with us in the British Virgin Islands, he was sold on the idea. Two years, two sailing courses, and one unexpected lay-off later, Aaron has come aboard for an 8-week trial period. He’d probably stay longer, but he’s taking this new ‘mariner lifestyle’ very seriously. He enrolled in a 3-month Mariner Course for the fall in order to bolster his skills and provide him with employment opportunities on the water, not in the boardroom.

Aaron has certainly helped provide support to the daily sailing and maintenance tasks. Things as simple as helping me dinghy the dogs to shore while Janet starts dinner has made life aboard more enjoyable. The additional conversation, knowledge, and his point-of-view on topics have really livened up the boat and the dogs absolutely love him! He is continuing to work on his sail and boat-handling skills and becomes more helpful with each passage we make.

However, it takes surprisingly more effort by Janet and I to work the boat with a third person. We have, after all, developed specific styles and techniques for every task aboard. There are certain knots for each line, knowledge of how Charbonneau likes her sails trimmed, anchoring methods, and storm tactics. Things that Janet and I used to do without thinking, we now have to stop and explain our strategy and expectations. Inherently, there will be times of frustration and misunderstanding. It’s how the crew works through those times that will make the difference.

We expended a lot of energy communicating with Aaron before he came aboard. We wanted him to feel not only welcome, but also a complete member of Charbonneau’s crew. He was concerned with his ability to be a contributing member due to his limited experience. When Aaron first came aboard, we discussed our mutual expectations. We expected the boat to be handled with the boat and crews’ safety foremost and to be well maintained. Most of all we wanted everyone to have fun. That’s why we’re out here to begin with.

Aaron quickly learned about the boat’s safety gear and our rules for offshore safety. When he comes upon a task for the first time, we step him through it in the ‘Charbonneau way.’ It might not be the same method as other boats, but by doing it the same way time and again, the task can be competed by any crewmember (or undone) almost without looking or thinking about it. If, as a simple example, a line were stowed differently each time, it could become very confusing when trying to ready that line quickly. Aaron learns quickly and isn’t afraid to ask questions. At the end of the day, it’s that constant communication that keeps things from falling apart.