I was just thinking as I do every now and then

[ChrisE]

that the Riding Light debate throws up the strengths and weaknesses of a webboard for advice on yotting matters. On the one hand we have a group of people who say that they are definitely sure that a riding light is necessary on a visitor's swinging mooring and another group that says that it is not necessary. Both groups quote for the regulations to support their cause and at last count 110 posts had elapsed with, as far as I can see, no resolution.

My point? If you want to know what the answer is then go talk to the RYA or another body, if you want to joust then come to this webboard.

FWIW, I believe that you only need a riding light if you are anchored 'cos then you are a temporary feature that doesn't feature on a chart, a buoy being a permanent navigational item whether it is occupied or not thus up to the mariner to aquaint him/herself of the terrain. Whether you choose to display a light being up to you but there's no requirement to do so.

But then I guess I'm into jousting territory and bignick lost his generous colreg offer of £10 to the RNLI way back in the previous debate

 

[Rowana]

Careful with all this thinking. We don't want to tire out our brain, do we ?

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[ParaHandy]

i wuz also gi'ing ra matter some thocht an fer whit its wurth i conclooded thon fivers an' tenners wuz Claymore currency ...

 

[ChrisE]

I\'m working with fools

I try my best to raise the tone of the debate and what do I get? bleedin' scotch sodden scots warblin' on in some forin dialect.

So to bring the debate back to the level of this here board, I'll be publishing the number of songs, number of days and size of the music database on me IPod in a mo' when the last few have ripped on, as the parlance goes. Just the kind of info for this late in the evening should send you all off to sleep....

 

[Toutvabien]

I thought it was just light entertainment.

 

[Rob_Webb]

You're right, it is a fundamental problem that now and again people make a statement in a tone that suggests they are factually correct and simply know the answer. But then this turns out not to be the case. Which makes taking advice on anything more serious than what flavour colour condoms to buy rather disconcerting.

BTW, what IS the best flavour?

 

[BrendanS]

On the other hand, people absorb information by being exposed to both sides of an argument - surely more healthy than just being pump fed one side? Isn't that what the forums are about?

I don't expect everyone to agree with me. It's sometimes disappointing that I'm seen as Gospel on computer related issues, where I know what I'm talking about sometimes, but would expect far more contentious posts on rough weather helming. We had a great chat on this, this evening, in a regular Wokingham pub meet, where it was discussed - small rudders on large boats make helming v difficult in large waves, compared to powerful small boats. Which is safer in rough conditions?

 

[Ships_Cat]

I agree Brendan (on that point anyway /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif).

John

 

[Lizzie_B]

Actually, I've noticed that the RYA do get it wrong or send out contradictory messages rather too often for comfort. At least the board poster is subject to being challenged and has to be open to hearing all opinions; plus people often refer to their source of authority when debating anything contentious, whereas the the RYA is too often accepted on face value when it comments on matters where it has no statuatory authority.

 

[FullCircle]

Quite isolated methinks. Colregs and Anchoring produce the very best of protagonists with doom and naysayers abounding.
Most other subjects have a tendency to bubble experience to the top, and you can work it out from there. Nowhere does this board say that it has the definitive answers.
Someone on here has the byeline:
" This advice I give is worth exactly what you paid for it"
Very sound thinking.
If this place was the arbiter of all leisure marine queries and disputes, no doubt you would have to lodge a fee to ask a question
/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

And in spite of forumites terrible manners in not avoiding a subject for a mere 7 days, I have decided to go and buy my annual RNLI sweatshirt early for 2006, and pay for it twice accidentally on purpose pretty much as usual.

Have nice weekend, and remember to add alkali to neutralise the acids built up here in the week..................

Jim

 

[ChrisE]

I'm on hols for 3 weeks now, the only acids I anticipate are those self induced post the night before type.
Chris

 

[FullCircle]

<<I'm on hols for 3 weeks now, the only acids I anticipate are those self induced post the night before type.>>

Ah yes, the Dipsomaniacs Rescue Kit. Most wise. Do enjoy the hols..... /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Peppermint]

Re: Skippers decision

based on knowledge, interpretation and instinct.

 

[tcm]

oh dear, i seem to have missd a perfickly good fight. I agree with you as it happens, but there'll be other times. I spose this illustrates how colregs is essentially derived for big shipping - no need to light a mooring buoy in the same way as no need to light a fishing pot - you just mow it down in your supertanker. I note also that that the french language is also more specific about "mouillage a l'ancre" needing a light, whereas mouillage in other ways (which need not be in a marina) doesn't.