As a former USCG enlisted puke and boarding offier, now resident of an upper-end marina-laden town, I'd have to agree completely. Most townie kids are far more skilled than the lawyers who who drive down here to their the million dollar plus luxury craft.
I'd like when you see a mercedes or bmw in your rear view mirror, you just know they are going to drive like a prick.
Were you in D7 at all? That’s where I learned the rule of inverse proportions on yacht value vs. seamanship.
I was in Steadfast as a cadet in 87, then I was in Polar Star in 88, Bear in 91.