boatone
Well-known member
Seeing the thread re why mobos have to pass so close to flappies, and also having seen a particularly close shave between a mobo and a raggie on the Thames last weekend, prompts me to ask how many MoBo skippers actually understand the mechanics and manoeuverability of sailing boats?
I was behind a small mobo on Sunday passing through a fleet of racing dinghies. With reasonable knowledge, it was easy to see where their racing marks were, the wind conditions, and what they were likely to do. Also knowing they can turn on a sixpence is part of the equation. Matey in front of me clearly had no idea and tried to exercise what he clearly thought was a power gives way to sail scenario, just as the dinghy tacked treating him as a hazard to be avoided.
I could say the dinghy held on till the last possible moment before tacking but he was racing and, if the mobo had stood on, there would not have been a problem.
So, guys, do we take the trouble to learn about raggie behaviour?
I was behind a small mobo on Sunday passing through a fleet of racing dinghies. With reasonable knowledge, it was easy to see where their racing marks were, the wind conditions, and what they were likely to do. Also knowing they can turn on a sixpence is part of the equation. Matey in front of me clearly had no idea and tried to exercise what he clearly thought was a power gives way to sail scenario, just as the dinghy tacked treating him as a hazard to be avoided.
I could say the dinghy held on till the last possible moment before tacking but he was racing and, if the mobo had stood on, there would not have been a problem.
So, guys, do we take the trouble to learn about raggie behaviour?