TRAINING EXERCISE

When Linda Lewis was well along with her on-the-water training of husband-and-wife team Ron Ferguson and Kathryn Parks, she surprised them with a new test. They were at a small island southwest of Seattle when she asked if they would be comfortable practicing "under the hood" radar skills.

They covered the windshield with blackout night screens. With everyone set up to communicate through voice-activated headsets, Linda moved to the bow. First, Ron took the helm. Linda asked him to circumnavigate the small island, keeping exactly 1/4 mile offshore by using the radar's circumference ring (set at 1/4 mile). Kathryn, also using radar, was to spot traffic in front, behind, and to the sides of the boat, relaying information for course correction to Ron. Remember: they did this without being able to look out the windows.

After successfully completing that, Linda continued with the "blind" training, directing them into a narrow S-curve passage frequented by large ferries. At the end of the passage, Ron and Kathryn changed roles and repeated everything in reverse. "This was an incredibly exhausting day, but challenging and satisfying," says Ron.

And think of the skills they've gained for the next time they cruise in dense fog.