Ok, here's the story: My buddy who races twice a week on his S-2 boat approximately the same length as my H26 calls me and says I guess my sailing season is over early. When I inquired what he was talking about he told me he and his wife were racing and they had a collision with another boat in the race. He said they were on starboard tack and the other boat, a Beneteau 23 was on port talk and it didn't yield to him and they rammed it amidships and ripped out the shrouds and the mast came down and hit their boat and the mast head light grazed his wife in the head...Everyone is ok. But when I mentioned that he would be getting our group's "Bent Prop" award (given to those who are caught in boating screw ups) he said he wouldn't be worthy cause it wasn't his fault.Now when I learned Rules of the Road quit awhile back, I remember the "general prudential" rule which supersedes all other rules in that it allows breaking the rules to avoid a collision. Being a non-racer, my question is: is he right, he can run into someone just cause they didn't follow the starboard over port rule and he's in the right? I don't think I'll try racing real soon...
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Traffic jams
In serious races (maybe they all are), a skipper with right-of-way may try to position the boat to cause a foul if any part of the other boat touches. A sometimes unnerving, but often effective, racing tactic. But think about like this, Bob; if the light turns green for you at the intersection, and you see a semi approaching full tilt from the other direction, do you pull out in front of it? After all, you do have the right of way (green light). I'd rather be alive than "dead" right. Mark Kissel Kittiwake/98H240
In serious races (maybe they all are), a skipper with right-of-way may try to position the boat to cause a foul if any part of the other boat touches. A sometimes unnerving, but often effective, racing tactic. But think about like this, Bob; if the light turns green for you at the intersection, and you see a semi approaching full tilt from the other direction, do you pull out in front of it? After all, you do have the right of way (green light). I'd rather be alive than "dead" right. Mark Kissel Kittiwake/98H240
Collision Avoidance
THe racing rules of sailing require a skipper to avoid collisions if possible even though they may have right-of-way. The starboard tack boat should have tacked or ducked behind the port tack boat, then raised a red protest flag and hailed the other boat. The port tack boat is then required to do a 720 degree turn or go to the protest room if they believe that the starboard tack boat didn't need to change course.
THe racing rules of sailing require a skipper to avoid collisions if possible even though they may have right-of-way. The starboard tack boat should have tacked or ducked behind the port tack boat, then raised a red protest flag and hailed the other boat. The port tack boat is then required to do a 720 degree turn or go to the protest room if they believe that the starboard tack boat didn't need to change course.
Avoiding the Collision
Rick, You are correct. The Stb tack boat must avoid a collision, then protest the Port tack boat. Maybe the Port tack boat didn't see the Stb tack boat??? Did he "STARBOARD!!!!" the other boat? I know I have missed a boat or two behind my big 150% jib. There is a big blind spot on some boats. Never assume the other boat can see you comming. I even blasted one with my air horn one time....Grin.. Scott
Rick, You are correct. The Stb tack boat must avoid a collision, then protest the Port tack boat. Maybe the Port tack boat didn't see the Stb tack boat??? Did he "STARBOARD!!!!" the other boat? I know I have missed a boat or two behind my big 150% jib. There is a big blind spot on some boats. Never assume the other boat can see you comming. I even blasted one with my air horn one time....Grin.. Scott
Been there... and learned.
I am not an expert in the racing rules, but had a similar experience, and got our groups yearly award. Luckily, in my case, nobody was hurt. I was sorry to hear that your friend's wife was injured. That would put anybody off from racing. (maybe he should not get the award, use your judgement about how it will be taken) My wife will not race with me anymore because the boats get too close together for her comfort. Especially at the start. Suggest that anyone interested look at the site: www.racingrules.org/guide/
I am not an expert in the racing rules, but had a similar experience, and got our groups yearly award. Luckily, in my case, nobody was hurt. I was sorry to hear that your friend's wife was injured. That would put anybody off from racing. (maybe he should not get the award, use your judgement about how it will be taken) My wife will not race with me anymore because the boats get too close together for her comfort. Especially at the start. Suggest that anyone interested look at the site: www.racingrules.org/guide/
Here's what I've learned
Every time I've been on a boat that has collided with another boat, it has been during a race. Here's the lesson I take away from this. Cruise your own boat. Race on other people's boats.
Every time I've been on a boat that has collided with another boat, it has been during a race. Here's the lesson I take away from this. Cruise your own boat. Race on other people's boats.
No, they are not
Regardless of who has the "right of way," there are no "rights" on the water, only responsibilities. And whether racing or not, whether he has the "right of way" or not, every vessel is obligated under the Rules to do whatever is necessary to avoid collision...that's one of the Rules. Every vessel is also obligated to keep a proper lookout, so "obscured by a sail" isn't a defense. So if your friend failed to take any evasive action to avoid the collision, he's entirely at fault, no matter what other circumstances existed. Here's what the Racing Rules say: Section B-General Limitations 14. Avoiding contact - A boat shall avoid contact with another boat if reasonably possible. However, a right-of-way boat or one entitled to room (a) need not act to avoid contact until it is clear that the other boat is not keeping clear or giving room, and
Regardless of who has the "right of way," there are no "rights" on the water, only responsibilities. And whether racing or not, whether he has the "right of way" or not, every vessel is obligated under the Rules to do whatever is necessary to avoid collision...that's one of the Rules. Every vessel is also obligated to keep a proper lookout, so "obscured by a sail" isn't a defense. So if your friend failed to take any evasive action to avoid the collision, he's entirely at fault, no matter what other circumstances existed. Here's what the Racing Rules say: Section B-General Limitations 14. Avoiding contact - A boat shall avoid contact with another boat if reasonably possible. However, a right-of-way boat or one entitled to room (a) need not act to avoid contact until it is clear that the other boat is not keeping clear or giving room, and
No, they are not (hit the send button too soon)
Regardless of who has the "right of way," there are no "rights" on the water, only responsibilities. And whether racing or not, whether he has the "right of way" or not, every vessel is obligated under the Rules to do whatever is necessary to avoid collision...that's one of the Rules. Every vessel is also obligated to keep a proper lookout, so "obscured by a sail" isn't a defense. Here's what the Racing Rules say: Section B-General Limitations 14. Avoiding contact - A boat shall avoid contact with another boat if reasonably possible. However, a right-of-way boat or one entitled to room (a) need not act to avoid contact until it is clear that the other boat is not keeping clear or giving room, and (b) shall not be penalized under this rule unless there is contact that causes damage. Note the "until" and "unless"... From your description, it doesn't sound as if your friend did anything to avoid the collision...so he's toast under both the COLREGS and the Racing Rules. Potentially, it could get worse... unless he has a racing rider on his insurance, his insurance company could refuse to pay the claim. Fortunately, it was his own wife who was injured, 'cuz if it had been the owner of the Beneteau, he'd be lucky to avoid a lawsuit. I can't help wondering about your friend's emotional/mental heath, too. 'Cuz I've never met anyone who'd deliberately ram another boat, no matter what the circumstances, and I've spent more time on a hook as race committee than I have doing anything else the last few years.
Regardless of who has the "right of way," there are no "rights" on the water, only responsibilities. And whether racing or not, whether he has the "right of way" or not, every vessel is obligated under the Rules to do whatever is necessary to avoid collision...that's one of the Rules. Every vessel is also obligated to keep a proper lookout, so "obscured by a sail" isn't a defense. Here's what the Racing Rules say: Section B-General Limitations 14. Avoiding contact - A boat shall avoid contact with another boat if reasonably possible. However, a right-of-way boat or one entitled to room (a) need not act to avoid contact until it is clear that the other boat is not keeping clear or giving room, and (b) shall not be penalized under this rule unless there is contact that causes damage. Note the "until" and "unless"... From your description, it doesn't sound as if your friend did anything to avoid the collision...so he's toast under both the COLREGS and the Racing Rules. Potentially, it could get worse... unless he has a racing rider on his insurance, his insurance company could refuse to pay the claim. Fortunately, it was his own wife who was injured, 'cuz if it had been the owner of the Beneteau, he'd be lucky to avoid a lawsuit. I can't help wondering about your friend's emotional/mental heath, too. 'Cuz I've never met anyone who'd deliberately ram another boat, no matter what the circumstances, and I've spent more time on a hook as race committee than I have doing anything else the last few years.
Right of way ?!?!
When I learned to walk across the street by myself many years ago, my Dad told me that you only have the right of way when you are given the right of way. Tell your friend not to walk in front of a truck just because pedestrians have the right of way.
When I learned to walk across the street by myself many years ago, my Dad told me that you only have the right of way when you are given the right of way. Tell your friend not to walk in front of a truck just because pedestrians have the right of way.
Thanks everyone
Thanks for the encouraging info, I appreciate it. The latest I heard is the Sherifs water patrol wanted to hang his ass for not reporting an accident with over $500 damages. I did try crewing for him a year or two ago to see what racing was all about and I made the mistake of chitchatting with his wife and he starts yelling "There's no talking during a race unless it's about sail trim or strategy"! I never wanted to race again. Oh, I missed one point that might be pertinent, he's a retired Marine major and so is his wife. They are a nice couple but way too serious about their racing.
Thanks for the encouraging info, I appreciate it. The latest I heard is the Sherifs water patrol wanted to hang his ass for not reporting an accident with over $500 damages. I did try crewing for him a year or two ago to see what racing was all about and I made the mistake of chitchatting with his wife and he starts yelling "There's no talking during a race unless it's about sail trim or strategy"! I never wanted to race again. Oh, I missed one point that might be pertinent, he's a retired Marine major and so is his wife. They are a nice couple but way too serious about their racing.
Racing is for racers. I like to sail.
I once sat next to an America's Cup navigator on an airline flight. I mentioned my interest in racing. He told me that if sailing is what I love, I shouldn't race because racing is more about competitiion than sailing. He cited the example of Dennis Connor as being a fierce competitor but someone who doesn't particularly love sailing in and of itself. I have nothing against racing. We all do it out on the water (whether the other boat we have in our sites realizes it or not). Personally, I just don't need all that tension and yelling. I sail to relax, hence the name of my boat...Hydro-Therapy.
I once sat next to an America's Cup navigator on an airline flight. I mentioned my interest in racing. He told me that if sailing is what I love, I shouldn't race because racing is more about competitiion than sailing. He cited the example of Dennis Connor as being a fierce competitor but someone who doesn't particularly love sailing in and of itself. I have nothing against racing. We all do it out on the water (whether the other boat we have in our sites realizes it or not). Personally, I just don't need all that tension and yelling. I sail to relax, hence the name of my boat...Hydro-Therapy.
Racing For Fun
Most of us who club race do it for the fun, cameraderie and pleasure of sailing. As the level of competition increases up to the professional level, the intensity and pushing the rules to the limit occurs. But, The Racing Rules do apply to all levels and deliberately ramming another boat, even with the right-of-way is a violation of these rules. Not only would such a sailor be penalized or disqualified, they could be subject to discipline by the sanctioning body and even civil and/or criminal legal penalties. These particular rules certainly apply: 2 Fair Sailing A boat and her owner shall compete in compliance with recognized principles of sportsmanship and fair play. 14 Avoiding Contact A boat shall avoid contact with another boat if reasonably possible. However, a right-of-way boat or one entitled to room (a) need not act to avoid contact until it is clear that the other boat is not keeping clear or giving room, and (b) shall not be penalized unless there is contact that causes damage. Our club racing could be characterized as "seriously casual club racing". We have a lot of fun but enjoy the competition just as much as the pros. In almost 10 years of racing with my club the only damage I can recall is a bent whisker pole from two boats getting too close together downwind. We try to encourage new members to race without fear that some hot shot will T-Bone them. Racing improves sailing skills for even those not interested in winning trophies and lessons learned can be directly translated in safer family outings and cruising. Dick Vance H-25.5 "Honey Bear"
Most of us who club race do it for the fun, cameraderie and pleasure of sailing. As the level of competition increases up to the professional level, the intensity and pushing the rules to the limit occurs. But, The Racing Rules do apply to all levels and deliberately ramming another boat, even with the right-of-way is a violation of these rules. Not only would such a sailor be penalized or disqualified, they could be subject to discipline by the sanctioning body and even civil and/or criminal legal penalties. These particular rules certainly apply: 2 Fair Sailing A boat and her owner shall compete in compliance with recognized principles of sportsmanship and fair play. 14 Avoiding Contact A boat shall avoid contact with another boat if reasonably possible. However, a right-of-way boat or one entitled to room (a) need not act to avoid contact until it is clear that the other boat is not keeping clear or giving room, and (b) shall not be penalized unless there is contact that causes damage. Our club racing could be characterized as "seriously casual club racing". We have a lot of fun but enjoy the competition just as much as the pros. In almost 10 years of racing with my club the only damage I can recall is a bent whisker pole from two boats getting too close together downwind. We try to encourage new members to race without fear that some hot shot will T-Bone them. Racing improves sailing skills for even those not interested in winning trophies and lessons learned can be directly translated in safer family outings and cruising. Dick Vance H-25.5 "Honey Bear"
I agree with Dick
I raced my H23 for the first time last Saturday and found out how much I still have to learn about sailing. It was definitely a humbling experience. I learned that the boat that wins is usually the one that makes the fewest mistakes. I finished last, which will tell you how many mistakes I made (among other things, I was blown off course in a rain squall). I also realized that the mistakes I made could have had a more serious outcome if I had been in open water (or worse, in tight quarters) instead of an around-the-buoys race on the lake. Not pretty. I had always heard that racing was a great way to sharpen your skills. After last Saturday, I would have to agree. The trick is not to forget that you're doing it for fun. Peter S/V Raven
I raced my H23 for the first time last Saturday and found out how much I still have to learn about sailing. It was definitely a humbling experience. I learned that the boat that wins is usually the one that makes the fewest mistakes. I finished last, which will tell you how many mistakes I made (among other things, I was blown off course in a rain squall). I also realized that the mistakes I made could have had a more serious outcome if I had been in open water (or worse, in tight quarters) instead of an around-the-buoys race on the lake. Not pretty. I had always heard that racing was a great way to sharpen your skills. After last Saturday, I would have to agree. The trick is not to forget that you're doing it for fun. Peter S/V Raven
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