Book SummaryRunning Against the Tide, by Captain Lee

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Running Against the Tide

Captain Lee's professional journey culminated in his attainment of the prestigious role as a yacht captain.

Lee Rosbach's ascent to yacht captaincy is a testament to his commitment, relentless effort, and ability to surmount obstacles. Prior to captaining opulent yachts, Lee Rosbach's professional path began on land, where he acquired essential skills and resilience through diverse roles in several sectors, equipping him for the challenging world of yacht stewardship.

Before ascending to the rank of captain, he honed essential skills in metal joining and restaurant management.

Before venturing into the world of opulent yacht sailing, the individual known as Captain Lee pursued careers that were markedly different. He began his career by joining the workforce that constructed large-scale projects, including towering chimneys and vessels designed to hold radioactive materials. This strenuous occupation necessitated not only considerable physical prowess but also an unwavering readiness to embrace danger, as Rosbach shares gripping accounts of occupational mishaps and brushes with mortality. The event instilled in him a steadfast dedication to safety protocols and a meticulous approach to his work, qualities that proved to be crucial during his ensuing career in the maritime industry.

After his time in welding, Captain Lee Rosbach entered the hospitality sector and created a biker-friendly establishment called J.D.'s Place. This endeavor introduced a series of obstacles, including the need to manage the unpredictable interactions with a motorcycle enthusiast clientele, maintain control in a disorderly setting, and deal with the economic demands of business operations. This experience sharpened his capacity for leadership, navigating challenging characters, and his ingenuity in surmounting hurdles.

He shifted from the hospitality industry to a nautical profession in the archipelago of Turks and Caicos.

Upon launching his coastal dining establishment in the tropical archipelago, Rosbach encountered a series of challenges including financial setbacks, deceitful dealings, and the unreliability of his business partner. During a time of economic uncertainty, he stumbled upon an opportunity that rekindled his enthusiasm for living by securing a position as a deckhand tasked with the transportation of sailing vessels. This chance encounter was a defining point in his career, leading him to acquire the necessary credentials to command a vessel, which ultimately transformed his life's trajectory.

Captain Lee gained hands-on experience and expertise through serving in multiple roles, such as a deckhand and as a mate on various...

Running Against the Tide Summary Captain Lee steers through the intricate and hazardous world of yacht management while handling the high expectations of both vessel owners and their crew.

The realm of high-end yachting comes with a unique array of risks and difficulties. In his account, Captain Lee portrays a reality where the temptation of luxury is overshadowed by the challenges of dealing with demanding owners, unqualified crew members, and the ever-present dangers of seafaring.

Ship owners who misuse their power and display indifference to the crew members under their command frequently act unpredictably and exert overbearing control.

Captain Lee encountered considerable obstacles throughout his career, including the task of meeting the exacting expectations of demanding yacht owners. Many of these proprietors, particularly those who have recently acquired wealth, viewed the crew tasked with steering and upkeeping their boats as mere underlings, frequently exhibiting an absence of gratitude for their expertise and a sense of privilege derived from their financial standing. Such owners would often make unreasonable demands, micromanage operations, and resort to verbal abuse and intimidation to exert their authority.

Employers often view the individuals working on their ships as mere attendants rather than acknowledging their expertise and...

Running Against the Tide Summary The malpractices and dishonest behaviors that may arise within the maritime charter sector.

The industry of luxury yachting, due to its vast riches, often becomes a hotbed for dishonest practices and moral misconduct. Captain Lee explores the impact of financial incentives and the misuse of authority, which can lead to a pervasive decline in ethical behavior, impacting individuals ranging from contractors seeking higher profits to individuals in positions of ownership exerting undue pressure on their team members.

Captains, culinary experts, and contractors engaged in bribery and unlawful financial transactions.

One common type of corruption includes schemes involving bribery and illicit payments. Contractors seeking lucrative refurbishment deals often resort to underhanded dealings, offering bribes to those in command and culinary experts to sway business in their favor. Engaging in this practice may degrade work standards, lead to escalated expenses, and result in situations that erode the trust between proprietors and their workforce.

Captains engaging in the unethical practice of taking covert payments to direct business towards specific suppliers.

Rosbach recounts numerous instances of contractors attempting to bribe him, offering cash payments or...

Running Against the Tide Summary Captain Lee's unwavering dedication to upholding professionalism and integrity, even when confronted with difficulties.

Throughout his career, the respected seafaring expert maintained an unwavering commitment to excellence and ethical conduct, even when faced with the difficulties posed by exacting owners, difficult team members, and the intense demands of a competitive sector.

Unwavering adherence to ethical standards and refusal to compromise principles.

Captain Lee Rosbach's steadfast principles guided his choices, maintaining his course even when potential disagreements with powerful individuals or considerations that might affect his career progression arose. He consistently refused to engage in any behavior that could compromise his ethical standards, put his crew at risk, or imperil the integrity of his vessel, thus setting a high standard for professional behavior and emphasizing the importance of moral choices over financial or social rewards.

He remained resolute in the face of domineering owners, resisting the allure of corrupt inducements.

The author illustrates this unwavering integrity through several compelling examples. He consistently rejected multiple offers from contractors seeking to secure lucrative renovation contracts through bribery, always prioritizing the...

Running Against the Tide Summary The memoir offers perspectives based on the captain's experiences participating in a reality television series.

Despite his initial reluctance, Captain Lee found himself immersed in the entertainment industry when he became a cast member on the Bravo reality show Below Deck. This new venture presented a series of challenges, including navigating the unfamiliar waters of TV production while maintaining the safe operation of his vessel.

Captain Lee skillfully connected the world of maritime steering with that of television production.

Captain Rosbach adapted to new standards and team dynamics when he transitioned from navigating the seas to engaging with the world of reality television. Captain Lee navigated the complexities of piloting the ship and the demands of a TV production timetable, all while adjusting to the strict shooting timelines and meeting deadlines, and dealing with the constant observation from recording devices that captured every move he made. This shift challenged his endurance, his flexibility, and his commitment to uphold professionalism in a setting where drama and conflict were frequently encouraged.

Navigating the complexities of managing a maritime vessel while also handling production demands presents significant challenges.

Integrating the...