Is it me or just bad manners

[Guest]

Although I sail mainly on the Kent / S.North Sea, I have had 2 occations this year to go to the Solent.The first time was to leave Hamble Point Marina at night so I encountered very little traffic.However I have just returned from delivering a yacht to the same marina for the Southampton Boat show, but this time arriving last Sunday at 15.30 hrs and during my run up the Solent and into the Hamble I encountered a lot of traffic of all types.The one thing that almost all had in common was a total lack of any knowledge of the ColRegs and a total disregard (manners) for passing other boats at speed.At least 8 power boats passed me within 2 boat lengths going at 30+ knts. Sailing boats insisted on trying to ram my portside and gave me the steeliest glare when I waited until the very last minute before changing course. I pose the question,,, is this "normal" for this area or have they lumped all the wallies in one place to protect the rest of us?

 

[Twister_Ken]

The problems seem to be endemic in the Solent where a lot of first time owners end-up.

Power boaters bring the M3 mentality with them "I overtake on the motorway with 3 feet clearance. 20 feet must be plently of room at sea, especially when I'm only doing 30 kts."

Newish sailors seem to spend so much time looking at their instruments and watching their sails that they don't see close quarters situations coming, and when one does arise they freeze like deer in the headlights.

The essence of Solent sailing, even if you personally know the colregs back-to-front and upside-down, is to sail defensively. Assume they're out to get you!

 

[jamesjermain]

A reason (not an excuse)

I am not defending my Solent co-boaters, but the situation there viz a vis quieter areas such as the East Coast or West Country, is akin to the town v country syndrome. Acceptible personal space is much smaller in the town and boat space is much smaller in the Solent.

Because Solent sailors sail week in, week out in crowds, they are used to close quarters manoeuvring and trend to pass other yachts much closer, tacking or bearing away from the stand on vessel late enough to be of concern to visiting craft.

Similarly, there is a proportion of power boat drivers who take the view that, if they passed every boat at a safe distance for their cruising speed (often 25 to 35 knots plus), there would be no water available to them. Alternatively, if they slowed down to a speed when wash would not be an issue (say eight to ten knots), their engines would never get above tick over. So they blast on regardless. No doubt on a cruise from Torquay to Plymouth they would take care to give yachts a sensible amount of room.

As I say I don't defend either camp but sometimes I can understand their thinking.

The problem at heart is that there are simply too many boats in the Solent at peak times now for everyone to be able to enjoy their sport freely without impinging on the safety, comfort or freedom of others. Give and take, compromise and thoughtful boat handing are needed, but often absent.

JJ

 

[Guest]

Re: A reason (not an excuse)

James, whilst I bow to your experience in this area.It really doesn't help me(or my temper) to get rolled on my beam-ends in a 43' yacht just so that some other boater can use his craft.As for distances most of these drivers had more than enough room to pass at a safer distance.I think it was more a straight-line (GPS) mentality i.e. "I'm here,I want to go there,thats the track,so others better stay clear".

 

[Guest]

We have a greater share of the 'cheque-book' yottie here than many places .... agreed !

Yes some are absolutely disgraceful .... Buy a nice boat, then show how stupid you can be. A trip to a local Marine Book Store and a few quid on a pocket version of Col Regs, picture version for most of 'em !!! is a lot lot less than the boat cost ......

 

[Guest]

not just the \'weekenders\'

Last week in the Solent HMS EXAMPLE , a patrol vessel, passed us very close at speed with a large wash, I noted they altered course and did the same thing to another sailing yacht before exiting the Solent via the forts. The pilots leave Portsmouth at speed and cause problems for all boats in the entrance !!!!

any wonder we see the behaviours we do by the 'private' individuals.


Pete

 

[Twister_Ken]

Re: not just the \'weekenders\'

There were a couple of mayday shouts last weekend, and I remember the RN responding to at least one of them. Perhaps, just perhaps, your grey funnel liner was rushing off to assist.

On the other hand, maybe the owner was late for a hot date somewhere. Try complaining to the QHM, someone might get a rocket!

 

[mica]

Re: A reason (not an excuse)

Hi Peter,

Reading your profile, I think you are well enough qualified to make the comments you did. Sadly it is something we have got used to and come to accept in the Solent, like tolerating bad drivers on motorways.

I notice you are from the Medway area. Might see you sometime, we overwinter at Hoo, summer in the Solent.

Pity more contributors don't fill in their profile, which gives a better idea of the person behind the contribution.

Best regards,
Mica

MICA

 

[Jeremy_W]

\"HMS Example\"?

Is that for real? It sounds like a bad joke (was there any other sort?) from the "Navy Lark".

 

[Guest]

Re: A reason (not an excuse)

Thanks Mica..I'm a member of MYC so may see you sometime. Peter

 

[Guest]

I found this subject interesting.....in the aspect that you all have the same kind of boaters over there that we
have here in Florida!! I fear that much of the bad manners and reckless boating is due to a lack of education and
orientation to reality. Our waters get so crowded that it is sometimes downright dangerous to leave the dock.

 

[billmacfarlane]

Hello Rob,
Sometimes our marinas are so crowded that it's downright dangerous to stay tied to your berth.

 

[Guest]

Re: not just the \'weekenders\'

HMS EXAMple does exist and at the time she was not going to assist although I do understand that later in the day she did. QHM not interested as outside of his patch. I have though raised it through another route and understand that I am not alone in my observation!!!!

Pete

 

[Guest]

Re: not just the \'weekenders\'

Pete, whilst none of the vessels that past me were pilot boats, I would freely admit that I go to Ramsgate regularly and that is the main port for Estuary Services (which service the Thames and Medway pilot services) and I have been more than once past by these guys at high speed. I think it breaks up their day to put a yacht on its beam-ends "makes them smile".I think its a mentality that says "I'm working,your enjoying yourself" so there. However in the case I started the tread with, these where not pilot boats but ordinary powerboats which had room to leave me and didn't and yachts that just kept "standing on" when they were definately "give way vessel" and whats more the yachts stood on until I had to take avioding action to aviod a collision, then I get a steely stare as much to say "what the hell are you doing can't you see what course I was on". I'm sorry to say that I have to come to the conclusion that the basic level of competance of your average Solent boater leaves a lot to be desired. God help them if they try to cross Dover harbour entrance with the same atitude<s>

 

[Guest]

I know what you mean.....this weekend is our "Labor Day Holiday"...and it is one time of the year you do not want to
be out on the water. Far too many "looneytunes" and drunks. Cops have their hands full on sea and roads. My
boat is staying safely tied to the dock. Thankfully I'm in a very nice marina and it stays pretty quiet here except
when the "snowbirds" (northerners) come south for the winter....and even then its not too bad. More trouble finding
a parking spot than anything else.

 

[Guest]

Re: not just the \'weekenders\'

Peter, I agree entirely, the Solent is conveniant whilst IO continue to be a wage slave so for the next 10 plus years it is the Solent for me. Part of the problem is the very large number of charter boats in the Solent, possible about 500 + and many of those chartering don't have a clue it is only a small minority of those who charter that demonstrate knowledge and acceptable behaviour. come retirement we will head west!!!


Pete