Is it just me, or have others noticed the increasing disregard of the Collision Regulations with regard to sailboats ? I frequently sail in Howe Sound, British Columbia, and have lost count of the number of times I have taken evasive action (while under sail) to avoid a collision with a "give way" vessel. Just as an example, this last Sunday was a beautiful day for sailing and within a period of two hours, while under sail, the following occurred: - Avoided a large power vessel coming at my port bow. This would have definitely resulted in a collision without my taking evasive action. - Took evasive action to avoid a small, high speed power vessel coming at me on my starboard bow. - Avoided another power boat coming at me on my starboard bow. Invariably these are power boaters who appear to have no concept of the Collision Regs and are a menace in any waters. There is no way of identifying these boats as none showed identification numbers. Howe Sound is a huge area and there is never a problem with crowding even on the busiest of days. A few years back when our Federal government announced the phasing in of the Pleasure Craft Operator Card as proof of competency, I figured this was just more government bureaucracy. However, from what I have seen over the last few years, I now realize the need for this regulation is long, long overdue. From here on in, I no longer see myself as "stand on" when sailing in the vicinity of a power boat. I just turn tail and get as far away as possible. The risk of collision is just too great. Best Regards, s/v Island Hunter
Seriously, I experience much of the same problem on Pymatuning. I identify the rental pontoon boats easily by their blue, orange or green colors, and just try to avoid them. The way I look at it, I get a lot more experience of practicing my skills that way. Some of the funniest ones are the trolling fishermen that turn and cross your path, while you never change your heading, and then give you the "look" as you sail over their fishing line!