A COLREGS troll

[flaming]

This situation made me laugh at the shere brass nerve of the chap at the time. But thought others might wish to comment...

Racing this weekend, going upwind on Starboard tack.

A small sailing boat is motoring slowly approaching from our starboard side. (Quite why he was motoring I don't know, as he was nowhere near a harbour and on a lovely 15knot reach).

It is clear that he hasn't seen us. One of our crew hails a loud "HELLO!" which gets his attention. At this point he is about 3 boat lengths ahead of us, slightly to starboard and motoring so slowly that we would probably have had to alter course to avoid a collision.
So at this point, sail vs Power, as we were definitely not in the "stern light" sector.

However, on sighting us, the chap quickly turns to starboard to match our course, and hails "now you're overtaking boat".
A cry of "Be Reasonable!" from our tactitian caused him to relent and he continued turning to starboard and we passed about a boatlength away from him.

Comments anyone....?

 

[benjenbav]

I think it was probably DAKA. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Chrusty1]

The man has style! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[lw395]

I think this falls short of 8d: Action taken to avoid a collision shall be such as to result in passing at a safe distance. The effectiveness of the action shall be carefully checked until the other vessel is finally past and clear.

I think this means that unlike the racing rules, your initial spatial relationship determines the whole scenario, there is no acquiring right of way by tacking/changing overlaps.
It's much less defined than the RRS as to when an encounter starts, I think the assumption is the two boats have been on the same course all day?

 

[Boat44]

"comment?"

I think you were being very polite. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Reminds me of last years Round the island Race. whole train of us on port near Bembridge. some old **** coming from the mainland on stbd cut right through us. He wasn't racing! Sure he did it on purpose, just because he could and to provide another story in his local drinkin hole! (Still, probably do the same when I'm his age!)

 

[laurance]

13 (d) 'an overtaking vessel cannot become a crossing vessel' - then surely a crossing vessel cannot become an overtaking vessel.
It is actually illegal to motor on a reach isn't it?

 

[calamitys38]

[ QUOTE ]
13 (d) 'an overtaking vessel cannot become a crossing vessel' - then surely a crossing vessel cannot become an overtaking vessel.


[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, it can. The rule only states that any subsequent alteration of bearings shall not make the overtaking vessel a crossing vessel within the meaning of these rules, or relieve the overtaking vessel of her obligation until finally past and clear.

Therefore, if the vessel being overtaken alters course - it is still the vessel being overtaken and the other vessel should keep clear.

However, Rule 17 does state that "where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way, the other shall keep her course and speed". But it also states that the existence of Rule 17 does not relieve the obligation on the other vessel to keep out of the way.

In sum - obey Rule 2 which can basicaly be summed up as (para a) obey the rules to avoid a collision and (para b) if the other person does something stupid, dissobey the rules to avoid the collision .

/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[maxi77]

You could always repoort him on CHIRP for not keeping a good lookout, his first failing and let things develop.

 

[pampas]

It is actually illegal to motor on a reach isn't it?

where do the rules state this? . New one one on me

 

[l'escargot]

[ QUOTE ]
...Reminds me of last years Round the island Race. whole train of us on port near Bembridge. some old **** coming from the mainland on stbd cut right through us. He wasn't racing!...

[/ QUOTE ]Believe it or not, some people still go out and head for other destinations when the RTI is on - may be he just wanted to get to Bembridge. What else would you suggest, that he waited until all 1700 boats had gone past?