Evolving as Skipper or Crew

In the attached article, Ralph Naranjo reviews his development as a sailor.

Opening paragraph:

At some time or another, all offshore veterans settle in their berth and ponder the hull skin that separates their tiny seagoing habitat from the great abyss beneath. Since the human mind is imbued with both a strong sense of survival and inductive reasoning, it’s not surprising that most crews step up and care for their vessels. Nor is it surprising that we continue to see naval architecture and engineering advance and evolve. Sea sense coaxes a skipper to commission a refit, develop survival strategies (including a rational damage-control plan), replace tired rigging, upgrade firefighting gear, and take steps to avoid capsize.