Designated Title "Captain"

[Nautical Traditions Offic]

Recently, there has been some discussion on the board about the designation "Captain" as it pertains to the owner/operators of the vessels in the Cape Dory Fleet. Traditionally, various seaman were appointed "Captain" to meet the needs of Her Majestys' Service. If a vessel were captured at sea, the Captain of the attacking vessel would appoint the 1st. Lieutenant as "Captain" of the prize. He was then required to return the vessel to London wherein the Prize Court would determine the fate of the vessel. And, if the attacking Frigate was very lucky and captured many prizes, even a lowly Boson's Mate could be appointed "Captain" of a prize. The 1st. Lieutenant would more than likely be appointed Captain after returning to London and passing for Captain before the Admiralty Board at Whitehall, to reward his efforts. Depending on the location and duration of the battle, appointed Captains could hold office for months or years before actually passing for Captain. Once passed, a Captain would wear a single gold epaulette on one shoulder. He would then be known as a Captain and Commander. He would have to pass for Post Captain to be awarded the rights and responsibilities of that rank, this required many years of experience as well as passing the interview of the Admiralty Board. Post Captains traditionally wore two gold epaulettes.

Hence forth, let it be known that ANY owner/operator of a Cape Dory vessel shall be addressed and known as "Captain". Captains of Cape Dory yachts shall be afforded all the luxuries; amenities, rights, and honors afforded this title. Of course, along with the rights of office, each Captain has the responsibility for his ship and crew as spelled out in the Articles of War. This proclamation is made with full knowledge that some of us are in fact U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captains who have passed extensive training and testing to meet the requirements of that title (100 ton, etc.) and in no way is this proclamation intended to reduce the honor of that title.

Entered as matter of Note'
This 12th. day of June AD 2001

Signed:

David G. Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei
Nautical Traditions Officer
New England Fleet CDSOA

[Warren Kaplan]

Captain! Sounds good. All this without firing a single shot across some vessel's bow! Thanks Dave!

CAPT. Warren Kaplan
Commander of the S/V Sine Qua Non
CD27



Setsail728@aol.com

[Michael Heintz]

I think Dave, that you should call all hands at the rendezvous, and read the "Articles of War." Following with a demonstration flogging at the grate. Perhaps the last to sign up would be the likely candidate!!!



Mzenith@aol.com

[M. R. Bober]

Strange things happen to grown men when the lad at fuel dock addresses them as "Captain." Take note: lest your head ache from the tightness of your old cap.
Mitchell Bober
RESPITE
CD330

[Ken Coit]

Dave,

Thanks very much, but I have two questions.

1. Why is it that I still feel and look like a boat mechanic?

2. I'm certain the look is permanent, but does the feeling go away when one is "passed" by the Admiralty Board or the USCG?

Ken

Recently, there has been some discussion on the board about the designation "Captain" as it pertains to the owner/operators of the vessels in the Cape Dory Fleet. Traditionally, various seaman were appointed "Captain" to meet the needs of Her Majestys' Service. If a vessel were captured at sea, the Captain of the attacking vessel would appoint the 1st. Lieutenant as "Captain" of the prize. He was then required to return the vessel to London wherein the Prize Court would determine the fate of the vessel. And, if the attacking Frigate was very lucky and captured many prizes, even a lowly Boson's Mate could be appointed "Captain" of a prize. The 1st. Lieutenant would more than likely be appointed Captain after returning to London and passing for Captain before the Admiralty Board at Whitehall, to reward his efforts. Depending on the location and duration of the battle, appointed Captains could hold office for months or years before actually passing for Captain. Once passed, a Captain would wear a single gold epaulette on one shoulder. He would then be known as a Captain and Commander. He would have to pass for Post Captain to be awarded the rights and responsibilities of that rank, this required many years of experience as well as passing the interview of the Admiralty Board. Post Captains traditionally wore two gold epaulettes.

Hence forth, let it be known that ANY owner/operator of a Cape Dory vessel shall be addressed and known as "Captain". Captains of Cape Dory yachts shall be afforded all the luxuries; amenities, rights, and honors afforded this title. Of course, along with the rights of office, each Captain has the responsibility for his ship and crew as spelled out in the Articles of War. This proclamation is made with full knowledge that some of us are in fact U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captains who have passed extensive training and testing to meet the requirements of that title (100 ton, etc.) and in no way is this proclamation intended to reduce the honor of that title.

Entered as matter of Note'
This 12th. day of June AD 2001

Signed:

David G. Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei
Nautical Traditions Officer
New England Fleet CDSOA

parfait@nc.rr.com

[Nautical Traditions Offic]

Michael,

Appreciate your last and the suggestions, but the Articles of War from 1757 were 36! in number! If I kept people from their grog while I read all of them I would find myself at the grate in the morning!

However, there may be a few that ARE pertinent to the fleet:

Article 2. All flag officers, and all persons in or belonging to the fleet, being guilty of PROFANE OATHS, CURSINGS, DRUNKENNESS OR OTHER SCANDALOUS ACTIONS, shall incur such punsihment as a court martial shall think fit to impose.

Yeh, sure, NONE of our Captains or crews would be guilty of Article 2!

Article 9. If any vessel be taken as prize, none of the officers, mariners, or other persons on board of her, SHALL BE STRIPPED OF THEIR CLOTHES, persons so offending shall be liable to punishment as a court martial shall think fit.

Yeh, right, we wouldn't do THAT would we?

Article 21. If any person in the fleet shall find cause of COMPLAINT of the UNWHOESOMENESS OF THE VICTUAL(food), or shall attempt to stir up any DISTURBANCE, shall suffer such punishment as a court martial shall think fit!

Would we complain about the food at Smugglers' Cove? Nah, I didn't think so!!! Cause a DISTURBANCE, Nah, not that either!

Thought you'd get a kick out of this. Can't wait for the July events....I remain......

Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30
Nautical Traditions Officer

[Michael Heintz]

Well......... Captain........

I guess your right. I don't know if I want to have to live up to the Articles that weekend!!!!!!

Michael Heintz
Captain Commanding
s/v Macht Nichts CD 30 MK II



mzenith@aol.com

[Mark Yashinsky]

Why are rules of the Crown being used here??? As I seem to remember, we whooped them a century or so ago (its almost July 4th). Why are the Maritine Laws of the this newly formed country not used and stated here??? Maybe the Nautical Traditions Officer is really an agent of His Majesty??? Maybe his ship is really not a Cape Dory, but something else in disguise. Any comments on this???
Is the term of "Captain" being used as a rank or as the person responsible and "in command" of the vessel??? You can have both. Think about when you have two of the same rank on a vessel and only one commanding.

[Bob Chamberland]

HER Majesty last I heard!


Maybe the Nautical Traditions Officer is really an agent of His Majesty???



cha62759@traverse.com

[Mark Yashinsky]

His Majesty, of the time that this tongue is in.

[Mark Yashinsky]

These "Articles of War" be directed at whom??? These impetuous colonies across the Atlantic. Remember, "DONT TREAD ON ME!"
Sounds like we have another agent ((Sir) Michael Heintz) of the King.

[Michael Heintz]

Is Mark Yashinsky really a Cape Dory owner ??????? Not listed in the registry, nor has he signed up for the Rendezvous...... perhaps it is you sir.......the agent.....

A cannon across your bow SIR!!! N41 04 10 x W72 17 56

Michael Heintz
Macht Nichts
CD 30 MK II 004



mzenith@aol.com

[Captain Hanalei]

Captain Heintz,

By George, I think you've smoked him! We'll have to see if he stays hull down at the randevous. We may spy his topsl's, but I don't think he will come up and risk Macht Nichts 32 pounder cannon broadside!!

Good job Mate....keep up the excellent dialogue...I remain...your most humble servant...

Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei

[Logan Smith]

Strange things happen to grown men when the lad at fuel dock addresses them as "Captain." Take note: lest your head ache from the tightness of your old cap.
Mitchell Bober
RESPITE
CD330

ACCURATE OBSERVATION,Mitchell....



gerryleosmith@msn.com

[Michael Heintz]

Capatain Stump,

Indeed, if he were to show his hull...... there are two (loose) 230 lb cannons on Macht Nichts. That would be the Captain, and his trusty brother Paul aka "Cabin Boy".

Michael Heintz
Macht Nichts
CD 30 MK II 004



Mzenith@aol.com