Be real! I guess next you will say that if I called on VHF 16 to the "blue boat at XX and XX" and he doesn't respond because no one was down below listening to the radio that he should get a ticket.
Racer not giving way
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If no one was down below listening, then they, by definition, weren't monitoring, and therefore were in violation of the rule that MaineSail quoted. If you are in violation of the rules, should you be ticketed?
Yes, I have noticed that this thread has drifted to how or why a cruising boat is sailing through a race course. Not the OP question or issue at all. OP asked a simple question regarding what happens when (for whatever reason) a cruising and racing boat meet. The COLREGS answer the question and that answer doesn't depend at all on which boat is racing and which is not. Its time for the racers (and I am both racer and cruiser) to acknowledge that racers have no preference under the COLREGS and act accordingly.
I think you're not reading the full text. Miles out of your way if you want to avoid crossing the course altogether as some people here saying you should do. Crossing the course and avoiding the racers is the prudent choice to avoid this. That is the point.
There are always a few who feel they are above the law & the rules don't apply to them..
My good friend Steve saved a mans life off Hampton Harbor a few years ago by following the law and monitoring VHF 16. They beat the USCG to the scene and saved a mans life. The other guy perished before they could get him out of the water but if Steve had not been following federal law they would both be dead and his children would be fatherless.. Apparently common sense is not as common as it once was...
OK since we have drifted so far, please post the link requiring every boat to have and monitor VHF 16
From BoatUS. Not 'official' but it's probably out there
Channel 16 - Distress calling and safety, ship-to-ship and ship-to-coast. Users must switch to a "working" channel after making initial contact (except in emergencies). All vessels must monitor Channel 16 when not using the VHF radio for other purposes.
Channel 16 - Distress calling and safety, ship-to-ship and ship-to-coast. Users must switch to a "working" channel after making initial contact (except in emergencies). All vessels must monitor Channel 16 when not using the VHF radio for other purposes.
Try again as that does not say ALL boats have to have a VHF, all it says is in general if you have one to monitor Channel 16
I'll make it easier, find a USCG checksheet for required equipment that covers all boats and has a VHF as required.
No one in this thread ever suggested all boats are required to have a VHF. Re-read the thread carefully. It was simply stated that if they do have a VHF, and most cruisers and racers do have a VHF, that they are then required by federal law to monitor it.
Maine never asserted that all boats must have a VHF and have it tuned to 16, only that boats equipped must monitor 16.
Stu,
This particular event has several courses set up simultaneously over 2 whole weekends in close proximity. Not only are there boats racing, but lots of boats waiting for their next start...probably over 200 boats in all. It really is just common sense to give them a wide berth.
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I think that to the point of the original post... when a cruising boat and a racing boat meet, the rules apply just as always.. but both the racer and the cruiser should use common sense. In a collision it's a fact that both skippers will be held responsible to some degree. I only ask that racers should remember that cruisers may not always be as experienced as you might expect, it might be their first cruise on the new boat. Just a heads up. Be kind, considerate, and make sure it is FUN.
It is only illegal to sail naked if it is a new moon and you are on a starboard tack within 25 degrees to the relevant wind. But there is a legal loophole that if you provide extra rations of grog to your crew then you are required to make sure your entire crew is sailing nekkid on a starboard tack any time the moon is not full. 
No, not that event. The OP referenced event was off Saybrook Point, probably a 10 x 5 or so mile course.
I can't believe the people in here siding with the racers! I'm in complete agreement with Skipper. You can't just duck one ... then it's an almost never ending process of ducking and avoiding, leading to confusion when others are coming up on the position where you are ducking to. Jackdaws illogical arguments are astonishing to me.
The only logical argument is the explanation that the racing fleets have told me on Lake Hopatcong. "When you are on starboard or otherwise have ROW (there's that term!) stand your course because that is what we expect you to do" They tell me that they will either cross or duck, and it may be close, but they don't want you to change direction while they are adjusting their direction in accordance with the navigation rules. In essence, the non-racer is considered no differently than another sailboat in the race. Perhaps their positive attitude is influenced because of the realization that a race on Lake Hopatcong is inherently difficult to maneuver around. That said, I usually tried to avoid the course, but not always. After several years passing thru race courses and sometimes blundering into an awkward situation, I never once had an angry look, gesture or spoken word. Always just a friendly wave. Maybe that's cause there just aren't any a-holes on Lake Hopatcong!?!?
The only logical argument is the explanation that the racing fleets have told me on Lake Hopatcong. "When you are on starboard or otherwise have ROW (there's that term!) stand your course because that is what we expect you to do" They tell me that they will either cross or duck, and it may be close, but they don't want you to change direction while they are adjusting their direction in accordance with the navigation rules. In essence, the non-racer is considered no differently than another sailboat in the race. Perhaps their positive attitude is influenced because of the realization that a race on Lake Hopatcong is inherently difficult to maneuver around. That said, I usually tried to avoid the course, but not always. After several years passing thru race courses and sometimes blundering into an awkward situation, I never once had an angry look, gesture or spoken word. Always just a friendly wave. Maybe that's cause there just aren't any a-holes on Lake Hopatcong!?!?
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