skipper1

 
Pronunciation: /ˈskɪpə/
informal

noun

  • the captain of a ship or boat, especially a small trading or fishing vessel: the skipper and one other man were convicted of smuggling
  • the captain of a side in a game or sport: the former Derbyshire batsman has been retained as skipper
  • the captain of an aircraft.

verb

[with object]
  • act as captain of: the course teaches even complete beginners to skipper their own yachts

Origin:

late Middle English: from Middle Dutch, Middle Low German schipper, from schip 'ship'