Arrogant Crouch racers

[meandraft]

On a number of occasions this season we have been requested, in varying degrees of politeness, to move out of the way "as we are racing". Invariably this has been on the Crouch west of the town where the river isn't particularly wide but it can happen anywhere. Whilst I wouldn't consciously impede another boat I do object to the arrogance of these racing crew who seem to believe that the Colregs do not apply to them. Am I alone with this opinion?

 

[AliM]

Normally we've found them OK. But today, when we were on starboard tack, a racing boat who had their spinaker in a twist, was about to run us down before we ducked round the back of them - I honestly believe that they had not seen us at all. That was near Cliff. Did they say thanks, or sorry - no, of course not, not even a wave! We were having difficulty working out who was going where and apart from them, managed to keep well clear of the fleet. On the other hand, the racing cruisers from Fambridge were waving acknowledgement that we were keeping out of their way - a much nicer lot.

 

[johnalison]

This has been a regular topic! Most of us seem to agree that it makes sense for we cruisers to keep out of racers' way if practicable but that at all times normal collision regs apply. Race organisers should recognise this and ideally they should penalise craft that endanger passers-by.

With very large fleets my usual policy is to give way to the leading contenders but maintain my right of way thereafter. I have had very few problems, though I remember having to point out to someone off Broadstairs that as I didn't have a copy of his course I was in no position to predict his erratic steering. Much more commonly I get a wave of acknowledgement after I have given way.

 

[FullCircle]

This has been a regular topic! Most of us seem to agree that it makes sense for we cruisers to keep out of racers' way if practicable but that at all times normal collision regs apply. Race organisers should recognise this and ideally they should penalise craft that endanger passers-by.

With very large fleets my usual policy is to give way to the leading contenders but maintain my right of way thereafter. I have had very few problems, though I remember having to point out to someone off Broadstairs that as I didn't have a copy of his course I was in no position to predict his erratic steering. Much more commonly I get a wave of acknowledgement after I have given way.

You may (and I have) radio or telephone the Race Office and lodge a protest or complaint. This usually means they are thrown out.

Leading contenders never need your help in getting out of the way, its the middle and lower orders who are more likely to throw a wobbly.

 

[xyachtdave]

Don't get too upset cruisers, it happens to the racier amongst us too!

Last weekend onboard a J80 I have a share in, a Dragon sailor on port, crossed our bow with inches to spare, (us starboard).

Nobody on our boat raised an eyebrow to this as we are all used to being very close to other boats. I expected him to duck our stern, but there you go.

Dragon tacks to starboard and is now windward, still give way vessel. Abuse comes from Dragon cockpit as apparently

1 We must know what mark he is heading for.....
2 We are an inconvenient water user
3 Our race is less important than his.

Stunned silence in our cockpit. When racing and cutting it a bit fine with non racers a big acknowledge from all of our crew goes a long way to softening the situation.

When we regained our composure, we let him know a) If you are looking for trouble, you have come to the right place b) have the chance to explain to the 4 of us what we have done wrong back at the club.

Idiots are idiots, whether sailors or not.

 

[dt4134]

Don't get too upset cruisers, it happens to the racier amongst us too!

Last weekend onboard a J80 I have a share in, a Dragon sailor on port, crossed our bow with inches to spare, (us starboard).

Nobody on our boat raised an eyebrow to this as we are all used to being very close to other boats. I expected him to duck our stern, but there you go.

Dragon tacks to starboard and is now windward, still give way vessel. Abuse comes from Dragon cockpit as apparently

1 We must know what mark he is heading for.....
2 We are an inconvenient water user
3 Our race is less important than his.

Stunned silence in our cockpit. When racing and cutting it a bit fine with non racers a big acknowledge from all of our crew goes a long way to softening the situation.

When we regained our composure, we let him know a) If you are looking for trouble, you have come to the right place b) have the chance to explain to the 4 of us what we have done wrong back at the club.

Idiots are idiots, whether sailors or not.

It's easier for another racer though, you just unfurl the little red flag and yell protest. Shuts them up PDQ.

 

[LONG_KEELER]

I love picking up a mooring at Burnham on a Sunday just to watch the boats racing.

With the strong tide, and going through the moorings like they do, it is enormously skilful.

This and the occasional aggro you mention helps to keep the interest going for a rather bland cruising experience.

Love it after Creeksea and the Roach though.

 

[Cantata]

I used to race fanatically (but mostly dinghies) so I've seen it from the other side, and I do my best not to impede a racer's progress if it's practicable and safe to do so. I do expect to receive a thank you in return just as I would give them in the past, but sadly I am receiving them less frequently.
Unfortunately there are a lot of rude b******s around at sea these days, just as there are on the roads.