I'M RACING !!

[Mel]

I\'M RACING !!

Yet again, I was taken aback to hear the call " Im Racing" from small yacht trying to inspect the very end of my bow sprit and top sides paintwork. this weekend.
Seemed only to be a few microns clearence between us as he cut across on port tack. Not the first time!

There seems to be a growing theme amongst a few of the River Orwell small boat racing fraternity that they are under their own rules in close quarters !

We could do with all such vesels (Racing) being required to be painted a bright florescent colour so that we have a better idea of their unpredictable behaviour and can keep well clear in advance..

 

[ccscott49]

Re: I\'M RACING !!

Last time somebody shouted that at me, I just looked at him and said quite queitly I'm a lunatic you'd better f....off! I was in a tight channel, doing 6 knots and I wasn't deviating for anybody!

 

[Viking]

Re: I\'M RACING !!

If you have the 'right of way' you dont have to move. But, one trys to help anyone racing, If asked 'nicely'.
I had a fleet of 'keel boats' bearing down on me in the Solent. The lead boats screamed at "we're *#¤!* racing!" I calmly screamed back "So am I!" (which I was) and then sat back and watched the ensueing panic.

 

[Robin2]

Re: I\'M RACING !!

What a wonderful reply - I hope I get a chance to use it some time.

Size has a lot going for it in these encounters - provided you are in the bigger boat

 

[Cornishman]

Re: I\'M RACING !!

If you really want to confuse them, and you are the stand on vessel, just reply quite calmly "I'm cruising, how do you do?" and hold your course if they annoy you. You will need a toothpick or similar to unhook them from your bowsprit.

 

[Gunfleet]

Re: I\'M RACING !!

I'm thinking of having a board made to show people who are racing. 'I draw five feet'. Think it'll work?

 

[Twister_Ken]

Re: I\'M RACING !!

Maybe the perfect answer would be "well don't let me stop you."

Although my favourite is "Gosh, you're well down the fleet, aren't you."

 

[tony_brighton]

Re: I\'M RACING !!

Often get that off Cowes - but the fleets are so dense that you are going to upset someone regardless. If you are right of way vessel just shout "Starboard" (or some other as appropriate) loudly and hold your course. Its only a courtesy to keep out of the way of someone racing - not a right of way. The ruder they get, the less courteous I get.

 

[Guest]

Re: I\'M RACING !!

In our defence:

As a racing sailor I think that it is only when we are obstructed during the starting sequence (very rare) and when sailing in the “dirty” air of a cruising yacht (more common) that we get at all upset.

Other than that we would only ask where ever possible that you pass behind or to leeward.

However if this is not possible and a cruising yacht is the right of way vessel then the rules of the road apply. We try to adhere to them whilst trying to ensure that the effect on our position in the race is minimal sometimes resulting in close proximity which could be construed as intimidating behaviour. If so I do apologise!

 

[Viking]

Re: I\'M RACING !!

Sir!
You have no defence!
I take great exception to your slanderous statement that 'cruising yachts making dirty air' (about which I am taking legal advise).
Even your 'racing' statement is some what dubious, when my two children (12 & 14) who had 'command' at the time, cruised passed, a bigger 'racing' yacht, with the obliagtory 'go faster' stripes and the 'boy-racer' crew, deck out in matching racing attire.

Your
'Outraged of Cheltenham'

 

[ToMo]

Re: I\'M RACING !!

Awe you went and spoilt it at the end!....."yorvik" I could believe, but a young Ladies finishing school - well really!
Cussed O' Kernow

TôMö