Does this scare anyone else

[Daniel Jonas]

Airplanes?

David,I'm confused about your reference to including airplanes in the boat and auto comparison. Having been a pilot for more than 30 years, I can tell you that there are some dangerous pilots, but they do not usually last for long.To acquire a license to fly requires a fairly rigorous and extensive committment to lessons. Certainly more hours than I got from basic keelboat, Cruising, and bareboat classes. Also, the pilot is required to do a review with an instructor every two years and the instructor has the right to require additional recurrent training before signing off the pilot. Instrument pilots have 6 month requirements to remain current for instrument conditions. There are requirements for recent flying activity (previous 90 days).I have often thought if these requirements were carried over to the drivers license, we could forget building highways for the next 40 years or so, because half the licensed drivers would not qualify.As I drive the highways, and sometimes as I sail, I am amazed at the inability of the average American vehicle (or ship) operator to make basic decisions in an effective, quick, and prudent manner. Ever see someone back up to get an exit, never ever will you see a pilot back up an airplane...the consequences are immediate and personal.Just my 2 cents worth...I almost never have the problems in the air that occur every mile on the highway.Dan Jonas (S/V Feije)

 

[Sean]

kids

The only thing that frustrates me more is that people are allowed to have kids without a liscense. You think people don't know how to operate and handle water craft.......have you seen some of these so called "parents" today. Anyway....just a thought (and in fun)!Sean

 

[Ray Bowles]

Hi David, I just purchased a 1995 H xx footer..

that I spent one heck of a long time learning about, saving for, learning about, having inspected by the CG, learning about, dry running at home and learning about. Then we watched others to learn from. I have loved watching many of those supposed learned doing incredible feats of balance without life vests or safety harnesses in some incredable winds and seas. I'm sure the kids with them will benefit from the passing of these skills and needs for safety gear.Be more specific about what you want before pontificating to the masses. Standing endless guard really wrecks a day of sailing.Rays/v Speedy

 

[David]

Ray, I didn't mean

to offend you. It sounds like you are one of the responsible "new" boat owners who has an interest in the sport beyond showing how much money one can spend on a boat. As we all know, size does not necessarily grant right of way (unless of course, you fall under the guise of restricted mobility due to depth or other). My fears are that I will be the victim of someone else's lack of knowledge/respect/common sense when on the water. As Daniel pointed out, if everyone was required to undergo the strict training of a pilot to get a driver's license, our roads would never wear out. He also points out that many situations could be avoided by just making a timely, intelligent decision. I'm not proposing that we try to remove boaters from our sport, just try to help the ones who need it be a little safer and better informed. And yes, Rob, I have seen the boats you mention come roaring in under full sail. My favorite are the racers who think they must race in to the marinas 3 or 4 abreast. (the channel we are refering to is at Kemah, Tx. It is about 300ft across at its widest point and is the only artery for over 7000 boats at various marinas