It IS Never As Easy As it Looks!

SHIP'S LOG:

A strange combination of simple factors brought about the rare situation that the Club was without a launch driver today. Something similar happened last year and i volunteered to help out. So it was that I got a call last night and found myself doing a four hours shift from 1-5pm. Driving the launch is not particularly difficult. It is something like driving a semi cross country. The hardest part is linking up with and not hitting any of the boats, and then trying to dock the launch without sinking it. The launch is only 26 feet long but it would have been easier for me using my own 39 foot craft. I just have a lot more experience with it than with the launch. Plus the fact that that it weighs 11 tons and goes exactly where you point it. I would suppose that the launch is easier to handle once you have some time with it but for a one shot four hour duty, was a little hard to control, especially docking. Docks, as defined by someone, are wooden structures in the water that go "squeak" or "thud" when hit. I had some squeaks and a thud or two in the 30 some odd trips, but no damage of any kind to the launch, other boats or the dock. Actually linking up with the boats is easier as they move a bit when brushed and if you miss judge the approach, there is nothing in front of you but water. Misjudge the approach to the dock, and there is the pier in front of you. And remember, the launch has no brakes. You have to slam it into reverse and then watch out behind so that you don't whack a piling when you shoot backwards. And as you are doing this, judging the winds, the drift, the speed, the current, helming the launch and adjusting the throttle, you are also supposed to slip a loop at the end of a rope( sorry, LINE) tied to the side of the launch over a cleat on the dock which will hold it in place as people get on and get off. Something like juggling . . . chainsaws!

Most of the passengers were very good about it, perhaps knowing that if they complained, they would be coerced the next time into taking a turn as launch drive. I know, from last year's experience, that it takes real skill and even though I have never barked at a launch driver, I respect them even more each time I have to take their place. Still, better them than me. It is safer for everyone!