Tag Archives: sailing

Doldrums

Posted on October 29, 2013 by Al Watts

Day after day, day after day, We stuck, no breath no motion; As idle as a painted ship Upon a painted ocean. –      (Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Rime of the Ancient Mariner) Sailors know doldrums well – persistent stillness and lack … Continue reading →

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Does Work Make You “Seasick?”

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Al Watts

Recently a colleague shared her distress with the turmoil, continuous change and what seemed like unrealistic expectations at her workplace. As she described the conditions and her reactions, I couldn’t help thinking how similar they were to those of mates … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Leadership, Performance, Personal development, Sailing and outdoors, Teamwork | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Paying Attention To What Matters

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Al Watts

We were on a nice port tack, but Raspberry Island was coming up fast; we needed to come about. I coached my nephews – one at the wheel and one at the winches – how to execute the maneuver, so … Continue reading →

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Lines and Ropes

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Al Watts

“What’s the difference between a line and a rope?”  That is one of my favorite questions to ask new LOON crew members.  The answer is that a rope just sits there, with no purpose or use yet, like a pile … Continue reading →

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It’s The Journey, Not Just The Destination

Posted on August 11, 2011 by Al Watts

I just returned from ten days sailing Lake Superior.  After crossing from Bayfield to Grand Marais, our plan was to take three or four days circumnavigating Isle Royale, one of my favorite destinations.  Five miles outside of Grand Marais’ harbor … Continue reading →

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