More Small Trimaran Features

While much has been written about the benefits of owning and sailing small trimarans, there are always more things to talk about because these boats have so much to offer. If you’re in the market for a terrific day boat, then you should look into a few of the production trimaran models out in the marketplace. If you can build a boat, then be sure to investigate the many models of small tris available in plan form for home builders.

The sailing qualities of small trimarans make them appealing for new and experienced sailors alike. It’s a good bet that a newbie will be able to learn how to sail more easily, including how to tack and jibe, on a small tri. While a seasoned vet would be able to get into the very same boat and enjoy a speedy, high performance ride that most monohull sailors rarely experience.

Some small tri models are very forgiving, meaning that a sailing mistake such as over-correcting a rudder, will not cause the sailor to be thrown into the water. Similar miscues on monohulls cause excessive heeling, and catamarans often just tip right over. But the stability offered by a trimaran is well-known.

I recently talked with one sailing expert who said he believes that trimarans are the design model most suited to the “art of sailing.” Their particular multihull configuration, size, and center of gravity, allows them to do the kinds of maneuvers that sailboats are supposed to do … and far more efficiently than either monohulls or catamarans. Even though beach cat riding is fun, and can be extremely fast, especially when the sailor raises the cat up on one hull, catamarans don’t offer the ability to tack or jibe the way a trimaran does.

Small trimarans can also save owners a lot of money when it comes to shelling out more dollars for their recreational pastime. High gas prices mean that if you’re a small tri owner, you’re going to be able to ride waves at thrilling speeds without paying a lot for either the huge motor … or the expensive gas used to fill it. While many small trimarans have motors on them, they’re used mostly to get the boat out of the launch ramp area. As soon as there is room on the water, the motor can be shut off. A small trimaran generally moves along nicely from that point on, even in light airs.

A small trimaran will also open up the door for you to experience exotic and out-of-the-ordinary adventures … without having to go off in search of them somewhere around the world. You can view rivers, bays, or coastal areas in ways most of the people you know never get to see them. If you go sailing in the ocean, you’ll be able to get close to beautiful creatures, such as dolphins, on a regular basis. And then after sightseeing, you can pull your boat up into a quiet inlet, or secluded beach spot, for a private picnic afterwards.

A small tri will also let you get out on the water more often. For various reasons, it seems like most people who have big boats don’t use them a lot. But those who have smaller boats that are easy to bring to the water get more use out of their sailing craft.

The best thing about sailing a small trimaran though, is that you’ll know what it means to frequently fly outdoors without a need for wings. If you enjoy a feeling of freedom, then you can set aside temporal cares and leave them on land for a few hours … while you go out and play on the water.

Goal Dependence
Goal dependence means that each team member depends on the other team members achieving their goals so that he or she can achieve his or hers.

It also means that the most important goal to be achieved is the team goal.

Task Interdependence
Task interdependence means that if one team member doesn’t do his or her job well, one or more of the other team members can’t do their jobs well either

The Essence
Goal dependence and task interdependence are at the heart of successful team performance. I know they’re fancy descriptions. Don’t worry about that. The implications are what matter.

The Team Exists
Managers have the responsibility for developing effective teams. Notice that I said “developing” not “building” teams. Even if you have only one employee, you have a team. It doesn’t have to be “built”. It exists. The team, not the individual, is the basic productive unit in your company.

Multiple Team Membership
Each employee will be a member of at least two teams. Managers are usually members of at least three: the management team, the team they actually lead and any other team or teams they participate in as a manager.

Team Goals Essential
Our inclination as manager is to concentrate of individual performance and individual development. That’s what we’ve been taught. This disregards goal dependence and task interdependence. Yet these two essentials are clearly evident in any workplace. No part of the business can be really successful without co-operation from other parts. And no individual can succeed without the co-operation of others.

Relevance For Small-Medium Business
In small-medium business, multiteam membership is common, even essential. Employees must interact with many others or “wear many hats” merely because of business size. Rigid, single team membership is far more likely in large business.

Implications For Managers
The reality of Goal Dependence and Task Interdependence means that small-medium business managers need to review a number of things

What teams exist?
Who’s in which teams?
What are the goals and the performance standards of the various teams?
What are the crucial interactions between teams?
Are team incentives already in place?
Do employees value teamwork sufficiently highly?
Are they, the managers, effective team leaders?
Do our systems enhance performance both within and between teams?
Is effective team membership part of our staff selection criteria?

Conclusion
In small-medium business effective team performance is essential. In these businesses a breakdown within a team or between teams can have devastating results. And because staff may “wear many hats” poor performance in one area will invariably have serious consequences in others. Goal Dependence and Task Interdependence may sound a bit like longwinded jargon. But they sum up a reality confronting managers in small-medium business every daily.