QUOTABLE: The Best Instructor

“There remains yet to be discovered a better way to develop character and responsibility than through the teaching of seamanship. A mother’s apron strings will not stretch to the pram-sailing starting line, nor will dad be there to decide when to tack, or to give advice on decisions that must be made quickly and accurately if one is to excel in the sport of sailing (and later, to survive and excel in adult life). The sea is an exacting instructor which teaches one the necessity to think clearly, to visualize consequences, to make quick judgments, and most importantly, to accept the responsibility and consequences for unwise decisions. Through the process of becoming good sailors, our children learn to shoulder responsibility, to accept victory and defeat with equal grace, and best of all, they acquire an affection for the sea which never wanes.” – Randolph R. Fisher, Commodore, Lauderdale Yacht Club (1974-1975)