12 or more, line astern!

[kidnapped]

We were making our way through the Needles Channel, Sat am 9.00hrs approx. when we were passed by at least a dozen 'swift motor cruisers' line astern! One is usually enough but ...... ! Anyway I got to thinking .... this must be a rally on it's way somewhere ..... Is there a better way for such craft to travel 'in company' in confined waters? I thought of 2, 3, even 4 abreast but on reflection I'm not sure the experience would be any better though shorter lived. Maybe they should stagger departure/arrival time, what do you think?

 

[ccscott49]

I don't understnad what the problem is, better to get them all past in one go. You should try passing the entrance to Rotterdam, with 20-30 ships, line astern all doing 20 knots heading for the entrance, try threading your way THROUGH them bloody frightening and in fog! Oh! God, never mind being overtaken by a few motor cruisers! Wimp!......Only joking! :~)

 

[yoda]

Believe they may have passed me later that afternoon in Lyme Bay - Line abreast!

Line abreast OK in open water but in the confines of the needles channel line astern is the only real option.

Yoda

 

[SimonD]

Aren't they better carried as deck cargo? Much more efficient use of the planet's dwindling resources.

 

[KevB]

Get a life or give up sailing. Can't you change the tune - moan moan moan. what do you expect smooth water just for you. If you sail in the Solent expect others to be there too.

Politically incorrect and proud of it.

 

[WayneS]

ouch

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

I guess they were part of the MBM cruise to the Channel Islands so look on the bright side, thats 12 less motorboats in the Solent for a week
Having partaken of a number of MBM cruises, I can tell you that departures are indeed staggered but only so that boats with different cruising speeds can arrive at the destination at the same time although I have to say 25 or so motorboats line abreast ploughing down the Solent at 20knots would be a fine sight indeed, dont you agree?
As to whether it is better to proceed line astern or abreast, certainly in narrow channels and poor visibility line astern is safer even though it might prolong the agony as far as you're concerned