Honing your Skipper skills

Tough time winter isn't it? Certainly if you're doing the hard work we're suggesting on hull maintenance it is (see "Time to end that blistering performance" elsewhere on our site). There's none of the fun of summer - cruising around, eating and drinking. Only the hard work stuff - scraping the hull, getting covered in bits of paint. OK, maybe we left out the double scotch when you finish the day, which of course leads to thinking about summer and planning the good times again.

Ah, but don't just dream about it, do something. Like get your knowledge up to scratch so you can enjoy day sailing knowing you're doing the right thing safely. Yes admittedly, it is difficult sitting in an armchair and trying to imagine yourself on board, going through your handling procedures. There are lots of good books, there are also lots of distractions. Ever noticed the only good TV is when you're trying to force yourself into some kind of effort?

Which is why we sat up and took notice when Adlard Coles Nautical dropped one of their latest on us, a CD-Rom companion to Tom Cunliffe's excellent book "The Complete Day Skipper".

One thing about the computer, it does command your attention. And though its graphics are not very sophisticated, with this CD you can just about feel the wind on your face.

Actually the basic-level graphics are a real life-saver. They mean the program can run fast without challenging your system's memory, which is just as well - because wouldn't you know, you're stuck with the old machine in the spare room so the kids can hog the new one to play the latest hotshot game.

How basic? Well, maybe just a little kindergarten basic, as shown here - a little too "the cat sat on the mat" for our preference. On the other hand, it is crystal clear - and if you pace yourself so you're answering as fast as you might be experiencing real conditions, perhaps the principle is right.

It's better where it counts though. Charts look like charts and instruments look like instruments. Much more reassuring. In any case, the simplicity works. It's one situation at a time, nicely isolated and totally clear. And of course, simple graphics are more easily remembered - for though no real situation will appear like one of these, that's a vital consideration when you have to think fast.

In content and meeting challenges, the CD-Rom doesn't pull any punches. It's you and the situation - with just your self-applied training to get you out of it. It's also a bit like a game, which is maybe the clever bit. In the dark of winter with your double scotch, the entertainment factor helps you learn. But it would be nice though to have the graphics to the same consistent level all the way through.

On the plus side, there is no doubt of the authority and plain good sea-going common-sense in the material you are offered and the comments that accompany your answers. The CD is so easy, even confirmed landlubbers would be more confident at sea after two or three run-throughs. It's not triple-whammy, but it will get you through your driving test. More to the point, it should inculcate good habits as a Day Skipper and build up the confidence that every sure boat-handler needs.