Article October 14, 1985 Issue

Who is at the helm?

GERALD STANWELL

Once while on certain maneuvers in the Royal Navy, I was asked to take the wheel of the ship. It was a new experience for me to steer a Hunt Class destroyer in the Mediterranean. I relished the task. But even though I had kept the needle in the compass reasonably close to the course given me, after several miles the captain asked another to relieve me. I was summoned to the bridge just above the wheelhouse. In even tones he asked me to study my wake. I looked beyond the stern. It reminded me of a snake twisting uncomfortably.

"You were overchecking, weren't you?"

"Yes sir, but I didn't ..."

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