As more and more boaters return to the water, the prospect of two objects trying to occupy the same space at the same time increases. Rules of the road notwithstanding, there just seem to be times when two boats are on a collision course. We've all been there. But what to do? Some sailors will continue to demand right of way. Others will take evasive action early, and still others will hope the other boat captain blinks first. Often tempers flare and epithets are tossed this way and that. What do you do when another vessel is headed your way? Post your experiences here then take the Quick Quiz on the home page. (Discussion topic and quiz by Warren Milberg)
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Circle of Reaction
Except in races, I imagine a "circle of reaction". Judging by his speed, my speed, and the wind, I imagine a circle around me that deliniates at what point it would be too late for me to react. When he gets close to that point, even if I'm the stand-on vessel, I alter course. I've been in the "right" several times, and have never had to yel or confront another boater because of "right of way" issues.
Except in races, I imagine a "circle of reaction". Judging by his speed, my speed, and the wind, I imagine a circle around me that deliniates at what point it would be too late for me to react. When he gets close to that point, even if I'm the stand-on vessel, I alter course. I've been in the "right" several times, and have never had to yel or confront another boater because of "right of way" issues.
I've had bad experiences...
... with both power and sail boats in about equal numbers. Sailors tend to think they know more about the "rules" than do power boaters. The problem is that captains who think they know the rules and demand to have the right of way -- and who are wrong -- are pretty dangerous captains. Normally these characters are not hard to spot and I avoid them like the plague. While I'm generally opposed to more government intervention in my life, the idea that recreational boaters -- in all types and sizes of boats -- can just plunk down some money and drive/sail away in any size boat is a pretty scary and stupid concept. Some form of required demonstration of basic skills should be mandatory for all of us.
... with both power and sail boats in about equal numbers. Sailors tend to think they know more about the "rules" than do power boaters. The problem is that captains who think they know the rules and demand to have the right of way -- and who are wrong -- are pretty dangerous captains. Normally these characters are not hard to spot and I avoid them like the plague. While I'm generally opposed to more government intervention in my life, the idea that recreational boaters -- in all types and sizes of boats -- can just plunk down some money and drive/sail away in any size boat is a pretty scary and stupid concept. Some form of required demonstration of basic skills should be mandatory for all of us.
Without doubt...
...as a sailor who sails out of a gulf coast port busy with cargo, tanker, offshore drilling rig, barge, and US Navy warship traffic, I always heed to these other vessels. And, to make things more challenging, our main channel intersects with the ICW, another busy "liquid highway" where barges travel frequently in confined spaces. While it is important to keep a respectful distance from these craft, our busy powerboat recreational traffic also demand attention given the carlessness of want-to-be less respectful speed demons.
...as a sailor who sails out of a gulf coast port busy with cargo, tanker, offshore drilling rig, barge, and US Navy warship traffic, I always heed to these other vessels. And, to make things more challenging, our main channel intersects with the ICW, another busy "liquid highway" where barges travel frequently in confined spaces. While it is important to keep a respectful distance from these craft, our busy powerboat recreational traffic also demand attention given the carlessness of want-to-be less respectful speed demons.
Final results
Final reuslts for the Quick Quiz ending March 19, 2006: What do you do when on a collision course with another vessel? 52% Take immediate evasive action 24% Keep a sharp eye on the other vessel 21% Stick to the rules of the road 03% Hope for the best 1,326 owners responding
Final reuslts for the Quick Quiz ending March 19, 2006: What do you do when on a collision course with another vessel? 52% Take immediate evasive action 24% Keep a sharp eye on the other vessel 21% Stick to the rules of the road 03% Hope for the best 1,326 owners responding
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