The primary aim of the What Now Skip series is to encourage readers to share their expertise and experience with others. We will publish a monthly tricky situation scenario. We would like to know how you would deal with it. In return, we will publish your suggestions alongside our own in the magazine the following month. Should you wish to comment further and and we're sure you often will - please feel free to do so on the forum!

In some cases the situation will be quite specific. In others, it will be less clear cut, involving some, If A then B, but if C then D, thinking, which is how real life situations evolve. For example: If the fire extinguisher puts out the fire, remain on board. If not, abandon ship. Safety and seamanship aspects such as crew briefing, monitoring the weather and general situational awareness are paramount even if the primary problem is a technical one.

Write as much or as little as you like. If pushed for time a chronological list of your thoughts and subsequent actions will do fine. E.g. 1. Stop boat. 2. Brief crew. 3. Recover bimini from over the side. 4. Continue to destination. If you have a scenario in mind that you think would test the mettle of your fellow readers, please email or send a pm it to hugo_andreae@ipcmedia.com. We will use it if at all possible.

Read this month's What Now Skipper?