As we cruised toward the southern tip of Vancouver Island, travelling north to the Bering Sea in our commercial fishing vessel, the excitement of a new adventure and the promise of a productive season were tempered by the impending decision only a few hours away. Our plan was working to perfection as we navigated the narrow passageway between the big island and the Canadian coastline. Seymour Narrows is particularly dangerous unless traversed during slack tide—the currents can travel faster than our top speed—even the large cruise ships are cognizant of its power. Though we were right on schedule, concern on the skipper’s face did not go unnoticed; clouds were forming and the wind was picking up, just as the forecast had predicted.
Because of repairs to the vessel, we had gotten off to a late start and were in danger of missing the first day of the season. As we approached Prince William Sound off the northern tip of Vancouver Island we had two options: head directly across the Pacific Ocean toward False Pass in the Aleutian chain, or hug the coastline travelling the fabled inside passage through Ketchikan, Sitka, and over to Kodiak Island to avoid the weather. The direct route would mean arrival in Bristol Bay just before the opening of the season; the inside passage would add three days to our voyage.
It was a classic risk-reward decision, a cost-benefit analysis. Which strategy would be most beneficial? The worsening weather guaranteed three rough days on the ocean, unforgiving with nowhere to hide. The inside passage would provide beautiful scenery of Glacier Bay, majestic waterfalls and humpback whales, but five days of sailing would mean a late arrival, and fewer opportunities for that once-in-a-lifetime day of fishing, that rare and sought after day when you catch more fish than all other days combined.
The choice was clear: take the direct route and arrive on time or take the safe route and arrive a few days late. With the weather worsening, there were clear unknowns. How rough would the sea become? Would the swells grow to a dangerous height? Is it worth the additional risk? Taking the inside passage is much safer but it would require more fuel and take more time; the net result would be fewer fishing days and a probable decrease in profit for all. As a leader, you gather all available information, garner input from your key people and chart a course. Needless to say, strategy is hard for a reason—it’s about making tough choices.
Email this article
Add a comment
Printer version
Order reprints
RSS Feed
Bookmark article