The past two weekends of sailing we have had two very close encounters with a cabin cruisers while under sail. We were tacking out of the Miles River and a power boat cut directly in front of our bow (within 5 feet). While it was a smaller channel, there was plenty of room for both boats. On the second occasion,off Herrington Bay on July 4th weekend, a different power boat also crossed in front of the bow - this time within ten feet. Each time we held our course steady, each time we were strictly under sail. What do others do? Signal with air horn? Radio? It seems these guys don't see anything else around them! We have discussed not using the boat on those holiday weekends. It is very unnerving - especially so close. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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Use the flare gun
. . . that will get their attention. Actually, keep the air horn handy and give it a blow when they make a move accross your path. I'm more used to sailboats coming within a few feet of each other, but they tend to know what they are doing.
. . . that will get their attention. Actually, keep the air horn handy and give it a blow when they make a move accross your path. I'm more used to sailboats coming within a few feet of each other, but they tend to know what they are doing.
get even
As the waying goes, don't get mad... Call the harbormaster (if there is one) to report an unsafe vessel. They will typically halt and inspect the boat for safety, registration and will sometimes issues a violation for operating unsafely which would require a court appearance similar to a traffic ticket. This may seem vindictive but next time they could hit someone. Don
As the waying goes, don't get mad... Call the harbormaster (if there is one) to report an unsafe vessel. They will typically halt and inspect the boat for safety, registration and will sometimes issues a violation for operating unsafely which would require a court appearance similar to a traffic ticket. This may seem vindictive but next time they could hit someone. Don
At the risk of appearing contrary
how, as prudent and safe sailors did you allow a crossing situation to get to the point of passing "within 5 feet"? No matter the right of way, you have an obligatio to avoid a collision. Whether the other boater was in the wrong or not is not entirely the point. What if you had collided and discovered that the powerboat helmsman was alone and had suffered a heart attack? Regardless of what the actual situation was, there can be extenuating circumstances. Just a point of view...
how, as prudent and safe sailors did you allow a crossing situation to get to the point of passing "within 5 feet"? No matter the right of way, you have an obligatio to avoid a collision. Whether the other boater was in the wrong or not is not entirely the point. What if you had collided and discovered that the powerboat helmsman was alone and had suffered a heart attack? Regardless of what the actual situation was, there can be extenuating circumstances. Just a point of view...
Not only power boats...
cause problems, but sailors also have caused problems. Just 2 weeks ago we were having a great sail on the bay. We noted a boat crossing our bow at about 300 yards. We had our 150 fully out and on a starboard tack. As i was adjusting the traveller, may wife screamed. I looked and saw the bow of a Benetuea 321 on a collision cross and only 2 feet away. My son moved the tiller, and kicked the stern, a racing move, to avoid the collision. The 321 slid passed us with less than 1 foot between each of us. Did the captain of the 321 look before tacking? It appears he did not. Also, the captain appears to not have been paying attention to boats in the area. All boaters are responsible for thier actions. Pay attention, look before you do. Use a horn or other means if you must. P.S. - I know the boat who nearly hit us. Just waiting to speak to the Captain about the near miss.
cause problems, but sailors also have caused problems. Just 2 weeks ago we were having a great sail on the bay. We noted a boat crossing our bow at about 300 yards. We had our 150 fully out and on a starboard tack. As i was adjusting the traveller, may wife screamed. I looked and saw the bow of a Benetuea 321 on a collision cross and only 2 feet away. My son moved the tiller, and kicked the stern, a racing move, to avoid the collision. The 321 slid passed us with less than 1 foot between each of us. Did the captain of the 321 look before tacking? It appears he did not. Also, the captain appears to not have been paying attention to boats in the area. All boaters are responsible for thier actions. Pay attention, look before you do. Use a horn or other means if you must. P.S. - I know the boat who nearly hit us. Just waiting to speak to the Captain about the near miss.
More and more Yahoos
on the water every day. I am 52, and I remember that when I was a kid and first went boating, that is was like a fraternity of boaters who were all polite and respsctful of one another. Over the years, is has gotten worse and worse. You have people who never had a boat or went on boats until they are grown adults, at which point they feel that no one has the right to tell them what to do. In fact, I have a friend, who lives on a river and has a power boat and drives it like a fool. He has a few million dollars and has been very successful and won't listen to anyone. He drives on the wrong side of the river, cuts right in front of other boats and just does whatever he feels like with no regard for anyone else. I seldom to on his boat with him any longer, and I asked his father in law and brother in law if they had ever been out on his boat with him and they said, "Once." I said, "That was enough, huh?" They said, "Yep, never again." It is getting more and more crowded and uncivil on the waterways, and it's a shame. Also, I think that you are right, I would actually avoid even going out into high traffic areas during holidays.
on the water every day. I am 52, and I remember that when I was a kid and first went boating, that is was like a fraternity of boaters who were all polite and respsctful of one another. Over the years, is has gotten worse and worse. You have people who never had a boat or went on boats until they are grown adults, at which point they feel that no one has the right to tell them what to do. In fact, I have a friend, who lives on a river and has a power boat and drives it like a fool. He has a few million dollars and has been very successful and won't listen to anyone. He drives on the wrong side of the river, cuts right in front of other boats and just does whatever he feels like with no regard for anyone else. I seldom to on his boat with him any longer, and I asked his father in law and brother in law if they had ever been out on his boat with him and they said, "Once." I said, "That was enough, huh?" They said, "Yep, never again." It is getting more and more crowded and uncivil on the waterways, and it's a shame. Also, I think that you are right, I would actually avoid even going out into high traffic areas during holidays.
It's just the Chesapeake...
people here boat just like they drive...as close & fast as possible. I've sworn off the rivers (Miles, West, Severn) on weekends. It's insanity....zillions of sailboats going their own way, Sea Rays and the likes blowing through the crowd and then the huge aft cabin motor yacht that has to go directly through the entire mess at WOT. Don't know what you can do except be careful, just like on the beltline or any interstate.
people here boat just like they drive...as close & fast as possible. I've sworn off the rivers (Miles, West, Severn) on weekends. It's insanity....zillions of sailboats going their own way, Sea Rays and the likes blowing through the crowd and then the huge aft cabin motor yacht that has to go directly through the entire mess at WOT. Don't know what you can do except be careful, just like on the beltline or any interstate.
And David W of BC....
...you have NO idea how close things are down here...and your point of view is offbase. At some points on the bay EVERYONE is trying to get through one alley that's marked clear of crabpots, and it's the only option for keel boats. The powerboats don't slow down, the sailors insist on sailing through....it's just like we drive, bumper to bumber,just bow to bow. Another power boat is on you before you can blink because you're watching out for the other 5 that are already closing in on you. Come down and sail a few miles in our shoes before you get too high on your horse.
...you have NO idea how close things are down here...and your point of view is offbase. At some points on the bay EVERYONE is trying to get through one alley that's marked clear of crabpots, and it's the only option for keel boats. The powerboats don't slow down, the sailors insist on sailing through....it's just like we drive, bumper to bumber,just bow to bow. Another power boat is on you before you can blink because you're watching out for the other 5 that are already closing in on you. Come down and sail a few miles in our shoes before you get too high on your horse.
Defense, Defense!
Here on Galveston Bay, you can quickly become a statistic if you assume that you have the right of way at any time! Weekends and holidays are not for the faint of heart! Never assume anything! A few weeks ago, we were on a direct collision coarse with a large cruiser. We were under sail and also had the right of way even if we had been under power. Watching closely, it was obvious that a starboard tack was in order. The cruiser passed within an uncomfortable but safe distance, close enough to see that there was no one at the helm of the cruiser. We continued to watch as the owner suddenly appeared on deck with a beverage in hand. It is the very reason that I always yeild when there is even a remote change that we are in danger. In these waters, this is all too common. Jon
Here on Galveston Bay, you can quickly become a statistic if you assume that you have the right of way at any time! Weekends and holidays are not for the faint of heart! Never assume anything! A few weeks ago, we were on a direct collision coarse with a large cruiser. We were under sail and also had the right of way even if we had been under power. Watching closely, it was obvious that a starboard tack was in order. The cruiser passed within an uncomfortable but safe distance, close enough to see that there was no one at the helm of the cruiser. We continued to watch as the owner suddenly appeared on deck with a beverage in hand. It is the very reason that I always yeild when there is even a remote change that we are in danger. In these waters, this is all too common. Jon
close calls
There are as many bad sailers as oinker drivers. Sounds like you need to do what I do. Work weekends and sail in the middle of the week. Keeps the crap out of your mind. Regards, Jim.
There are as many bad sailers as oinker drivers. Sounds like you need to do what I do. Work weekends and sail in the middle of the week. Keeps the crap out of your mind. Regards, Jim.
Same thing happen to me Sunday
About 5:30 we were headed back to the slip when a 40ft cabin cruiser came from 120 deg to starboard with a single blast of the horn and passed about 40ft in front of my bow. Going like a bat out of hell, only three boats in five miles. I got his boat name and gave him a hail and asked why he had to pass so close. Answer was we were not sailing and had no right of way. I told him he was dangerous - never got another reply. I reported him to the Maryland Marine Police for indangerment. Jim S/V Java
About 5:30 we were headed back to the slip when a 40ft cabin cruiser came from 120 deg to starboard with a single blast of the horn and passed about 40ft in front of my bow. Going like a bat out of hell, only three boats in five miles. I got his boat name and gave him a hail and asked why he had to pass so close. Answer was we were not sailing and had no right of way. I told him he was dangerous - never got another reply. I reported him to the Maryland Marine Police for indangerment. Jim S/V Java
Whistle Signals?
In all of these posts, I see very little reference to using the whistle (horn). ColRegs say it's appropriate to sound a danger signal (5 short blasts) in a situation where you are the stand on vessel, and the give way isn't... After reading some of these posts, I think I'm going to buy the loudest most obnoxious horn and use it in the situations described.
In all of these posts, I see very little reference to using the whistle (horn). ColRegs say it's appropriate to sound a danger signal (5 short blasts) in a situation where you are the stand on vessel, and the give way isn't... After reading some of these posts, I think I'm going to buy the loudest most obnoxious horn and use it in the situations described.
Don I can appreciate how busy it is out there
it is similarily busy here. But just as one drives defensively one must also sail defensively. If my point of view is off base, are you suggesting that we should follow the "rules of the road" with unwavering precision even if it means risking collision? So what should my point of view be? I merely expressed an alternative perspective that if some other boat passed within 5 feet of you that perhaps that might have been alternative actions taken by the person who wrote the post. To suggest otherwise is to suggest that it is ok to have an accident because you have the right of way.
it is similarily busy here. But just as one drives defensively one must also sail defensively. If my point of view is off base, are you suggesting that we should follow the "rules of the road" with unwavering precision even if it means risking collision? So what should my point of view be? I merely expressed an alternative perspective that if some other boat passed within 5 feet of you that perhaps that might have been alternative actions taken by the person who wrote the post. To suggest otherwise is to suggest that it is ok to have an accident because you have the right of way.
Learning curve
Its a great topic and should be addressed to the fullest. One day these turkeys in there 50 foot cruisers are going to take out a whole family or worse. I sail a C380 and you can see them coming, they line you up from miles away and see how close they can get, I honestly think they get bored and don't give a dame about rules and regulations, they have the big bucks and they don't take advise. Here in Melbourne we have to sit an exam before we can go boating of any type. Obviously you have to know the correct rules to pass. we have water police but they seem to worry more about people fishing in shipping channels and not worry to much about the real dangerous stuff. Not sure what the answer is except keep out of the way and never assume the other guy can see you.
Its a great topic and should be addressed to the fullest. One day these turkeys in there 50 foot cruisers are going to take out a whole family or worse. I sail a C380 and you can see them coming, they line you up from miles away and see how close they can get, I honestly think they get bored and don't give a dame about rules and regulations, they have the big bucks and they don't take advise. Here in Melbourne we have to sit an exam before we can go boating of any type. Obviously you have to know the correct rules to pass. we have water police but they seem to worry more about people fishing in shipping channels and not worry to much about the real dangerous stuff. Not sure what the answer is except keep out of the way and never assume the other guy can see you.
Power Boats
We were racing the Hobie one labor day weekend, and one of those "yuppie" boats passed with such a wake that it washed my crew overboard. The Coast Guard is vastly outnumbered by these inconsiderate weekenders. I have learned to avoid sailing some places on holiday weekends.
We were racing the Hobie one labor day weekend, and one of those "yuppie" boats passed with such a wake that it washed my crew overboard. The Coast Guard is vastly outnumbered by these inconsiderate weekenders. I have learned to avoid sailing some places on holiday weekends.
Report them!
After blasting them with the horn, try to raise the boat on the radio and courteously tell tham what they did. Then turn around and contact the local harbormaster with the name, registration, & location of the incident. The harbormasters hate it when that happens to a hapless boater. At least, he will be aware to watch out for the boat and may stop him for another infraction in the future. Then he will recieve a warning from the HM.
After blasting them with the horn, try to raise the boat on the radio and courteously tell tham what they did. Then turn around and contact the local harbormaster with the name, registration, & location of the incident. The harbormasters hate it when that happens to a hapless boater. At least, he will be aware to watch out for the boat and may stop him for another infraction in the future. Then he will recieve a warning from the HM.
No David...
You asked how as "prudent and safe sailors did you allow a crossing situation to get to the point of passing 'within 5 feet'?" Your amazement at the situation and implication that it's apparently (automactically?) the author's fault for allowing it is what is off base. My point is that it's often beyond one's control whether someone comes within 5' of your boat. I do not know all of the facts of the original poster's situation, but just like driving, innocent drivers, and even the best of them, get rear ended, side-swiped, etc. The same thing can happen on our waters. I'm not talking about whether to report a violator, etc. I'm saying that sometimes maintaining a 5' clearance is a major feat. I'm not advocating unwavering alegiance to the ROR. Just like driving, one has to be on the defense 24/7 and act/react according to the situation, not the rule. But these situations can happen without your control - if a powerboat decides to buzz your bow, or a sailboat suddenly tacks on top of you in a narrow channel....and there are sailboats in front, behind and on either side of you...what can you do? Change tack? Stop in your tracks? No, you just try to pass without hitting them and hope that the other boat does the same. Not being able to get out of the way doesn't make you an unsafe captain as you imlpy. In fact maintaining that 5' clearance may be quite a feat. I haven't been on your part of the waters, but like some parts of LI Sound, I think the CB can be one of the most crowded and dangerous bodies of water in the country - and I've been on most of them. Unless you've been here on the Ches Bay on a Sat/Sunday in the summer, and particularly a holiday, I really don't think you can appreciate how busy and crowded it is - and the diversity of the crafts out there. Have you been here? I suggest that your viewpoint should be "geez, I'm glad that I've not been in that situation" rather than criticizing those who have been without more information. I'll put my soapbox away for now....
You asked how as "prudent and safe sailors did you allow a crossing situation to get to the point of passing 'within 5 feet'?" Your amazement at the situation and implication that it's apparently (automactically?) the author's fault for allowing it is what is off base. My point is that it's often beyond one's control whether someone comes within 5' of your boat. I do not know all of the facts of the original poster's situation, but just like driving, innocent drivers, and even the best of them, get rear ended, side-swiped, etc. The same thing can happen on our waters. I'm not talking about whether to report a violator, etc. I'm saying that sometimes maintaining a 5' clearance is a major feat. I'm not advocating unwavering alegiance to the ROR. Just like driving, one has to be on the defense 24/7 and act/react according to the situation, not the rule. But these situations can happen without your control - if a powerboat decides to buzz your bow, or a sailboat suddenly tacks on top of you in a narrow channel....and there are sailboats in front, behind and on either side of you...what can you do? Change tack? Stop in your tracks? No, you just try to pass without hitting them and hope that the other boat does the same. Not being able to get out of the way doesn't make you an unsafe captain as you imlpy. In fact maintaining that 5' clearance may be quite a feat. I haven't been on your part of the waters, but like some parts of LI Sound, I think the CB can be one of the most crowded and dangerous bodies of water in the country - and I've been on most of them. Unless you've been here on the Ches Bay on a Sat/Sunday in the summer, and particularly a holiday, I really don't think you can appreciate how busy and crowded it is - and the diversity of the crafts out there. Have you been here? I suggest that your viewpoint should be "geez, I'm glad that I've not been in that situation" rather than criticizing those who have been without more information. I'll put my soapbox away for now....
Parallel course
My biggest gripe is not with the crossing situations, but with large powerboats running parallel to us. When we cruise North up to Canada, we often use the route on the backside of Whidbey Island. There is usually a moderate amount of other traffic. I don't understand why so many powerboats throwing huge wakes, tend to pass close by, leaving only a couple hundred feet between us. I feel like I spend the whole trip zigzagging back and forth, to cross their wakes at an angle. The area is generally several miles wide, and with their high speed, they could easily leave a comfortable distance when passing. They appear oblivious to the boats violently rolling in their wakes. One boat that must have been over 70 feet came by on full plane about 150 feet away. As they passed, a gal on the flybridge was waving enthusiastically. I had to resist the temptation to give my "special" salute. Sometimes I make a motion, spreading my arms repeatedly meaning "more space" as I throw the helm hard over. But like some have indicated, lack of courtesy is not limited to this situation
My biggest gripe is not with the crossing situations, but with large powerboats running parallel to us. When we cruise North up to Canada, we often use the route on the backside of Whidbey Island. There is usually a moderate amount of other traffic. I don't understand why so many powerboats throwing huge wakes, tend to pass close by, leaving only a couple hundred feet between us. I feel like I spend the whole trip zigzagging back and forth, to cross their wakes at an angle. The area is generally several miles wide, and with their high speed, they could easily leave a comfortable distance when passing. They appear oblivious to the boats violently rolling in their wakes. One boat that must have been over 70 feet came by on full plane about 150 feet away. As they passed, a gal on the flybridge was waving enthusiastically. I had to resist the temptation to give my "special" salute. Sometimes I make a motion, spreading my arms repeatedly meaning "more space" as I throw the helm hard over. But like some have indicated, lack of courtesy is not limited to this situation
Give way or get off
I have given up getting upset about this stuff. On my lake, on the weekends, you have two options: Give way to anybody who remotely looks close or dangerous, or Get off the lake. Any other course of action is simply putting you, your boat, and your loved ones at risk. Rules only work if everyone knows them and agrees to abide by them, which clearly is no longer the case. Alchohol use and abuse compounds the problem. So here's the thing ... you can either let these gasohol powered yahoos raise your blood pressure and ruin the reasons we sail, or practice "defensive sailing" and place your boat where they are not (And yes, I know in a crowded channel that's tough, but it's tough on the expressway at 5:00 too, and we all do it.) I think safe Sunday sailing often means taking down the decksweeping 150 in favor of a highclewed 110 headsail, and constantly steering a defensive course. If you want to "stand on", you're going to end up a statistic. And I also want to agree with others ... it's not the collision possibilities that runin my Sundays, it's the bouncing around in everyone's wake. Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
I have given up getting upset about this stuff. On my lake, on the weekends, you have two options: Give way to anybody who remotely looks close or dangerous, or Get off the lake. Any other course of action is simply putting you, your boat, and your loved ones at risk. Rules only work if everyone knows them and agrees to abide by them, which clearly is no longer the case. Alchohol use and abuse compounds the problem. So here's the thing ... you can either let these gasohol powered yahoos raise your blood pressure and ruin the reasons we sail, or practice "defensive sailing" and place your boat where they are not (And yes, I know in a crowded channel that's tough, but it's tough on the expressway at 5:00 too, and we all do it.) I think safe Sunday sailing often means taking down the decksweeping 150 in favor of a highclewed 110 headsail, and constantly steering a defensive course. If you want to "stand on", you're going to end up a statistic. And I also want to agree with others ... it's not the collision possibilities that runin my Sundays, it's the bouncing around in everyone's wake. Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
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