Ladyman-drinksailing vs. speeding

[Seagreen]

Ok I know the views of most people here are fairly caustic against the imposition of a 'drink-sailing' law, me included, but how would this change if speeding were taken into the equation?

My pet hate, on safety grounds, is the way in which a small minority of fast RIBs, powerboats (racing types) and jetskiers ignore even the most basic commonsense approach to speed and hammer through crowded moorings and confined channels at top speed careless of the threat they pose to others.

Yes, I know this topic comes up a lot, and yes, I am a sailer of an old slow boat, but since this proposal of the alcohol ban on water came up, would the presence of an active speed enforcement be welcomed by many here?

As a local example, I don't know what its like elsewhere this year but the Exe (my patch) has a volunteer Police boat which is usually at its moorings and can't catch anything going faster than 10 knots. I've witnessed a couple of near fatalities in the river entrance; the most shocking being a local powerboat at 30 knots missing a boardsailer in the water by a few feet in the main channel, only 100m wide. The River has designated water ski areas, which are well used, and is very crowded on sunny weekends, but as you are all aware, a bit of commonsense goes a long way.

So, here's the question. Would you be likely to give more support to any enforcement if it would help cut down on inappropriate speed in confined areas and add to safety?
You know what I mean.



So, what do we think? Poll for one week's opinions...

 

[BrendanS]

No, I think you are an old school who doesn't appreciate any of the informed information that many have passed on here over the years

Based on your somewhat biased poll?

 

[Twister_Ken]

The laws are already there as harbour by-laws or local NMs.

They should be enforced by HM staff - let's keep it 'in the family'

 

[BrendanS]

The 'poll' says it all. Nothing there other than to agree with him

 

[ashanta]

Brendan, I'm a modern school but I know the Exe, he knows the Exe and I think his views are about the Exe. Are you experienced about the Exe? he's posting a comment for discussion not elimination.

 

[BrendanS]

different agenda, so why not make that obvious in the title, rather than general?

 

[ashanta]

Ken,
No HM authority on the Exe.
My previous comment to Brendan apply. Unless you have been there and know what the experience is then we should be discussing it not dismissing him. It's is forum after all.

 

[Seagreen]

As I said, I don't know what happens in other areas, some I believe like the Solent have some form of permanent presence, whereas the Exe doesn't really. Nor am I just having a swing at Mobos generally, as the vast majority are fine. It's just that daft raggies don't go fast enough to pose a speed threat - we have other ways of annoying the public..

I'm interested in seeing if people would be more kindly disposed to Ladyman's proposals if there were more emphasis on dangerous speeds. These may also be drink related. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Twister_Ken]

Speed or booze, I'd prefer government edicts and eejits to keep well away.

Is there really no harbour authority on the Exe? Who collects mooring and launching fees? Whoever it is should be putting something back by monitoring and policing the estuary.

 

[BrendanS]

Why has this become Exe related?

 

[ashanta]

Brendan you are one of the most helpful people on this forum and we all know how much tehnical help you give so voluntarally but you must let others in and allow them to achieve their goals also.
There is a condsiderable local issue that our friend is subject to. Whether it it is applicable elsewhere is another thing but he is using the tools of the website to express and censor his views.
Thats great and thanks for our website

 

[Seagreen]

It isn't. I was trying to expand (no pun intended) my local observations into a survey of other people and areas with regard to recent political developments.

The Exe is split between 3 or 4 different authorities. The Lower Exe Mooring Authority is a weird ngo thing which organises the lower river on behalf of the crown estates, (I think) and the western shore above that is Powderham Estate - fiefdom of the Earl of Exeter. The Bouyage was controlled by Port of Exeter, which doesn't do it, or want to do it, and Teignbridge and East Devon district councils all have an input, somehow. It's a bit complicated...

But thats nothing to do with the original topic - what do people from other sailing areas, not the Exe think about this issue?

 

[BrendanS]

That's fine, however the poll was general, and missed out relevant questions, as was the title of the question, so making it location specific is rather out of order.

If your friend wants a reasonable discussion of issues, then he must make them clear, in both the question and the poll.

 

[BrendanS]

That makes it clearer, to some extent.

The way this forum works best, is if you lay out clearly your concerns, in as much detail as you know, then wait for answers.

Laying down general concerns without detail, will only result in questions for more detail.

 

[Seagreen]

I'm withdrawing my liferaft suggestion. And I'm off to bed. I'll leave this to the insomniacs till the morning.

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Twister_Ken]

Jawohl, herr obergruppenfuhrer.

 

[BrendanS]

Finally. Someone understands!

 

[ashanta]

Is that compliance to your understanding? you are not a moderator Brendan and you should allow people their opportunity to express themselves without feeling they are being resricted for fear of embarassment.
It's obvious that he only contributes sparingly by the number of posts he has made. Unlike those whom appear to be on here every day of the week!

 

[BrendanS]

The poll in itself is meaninless, and if he wants a result, he needs to reinstate it with a complete and meaningful set of questions.

 

[ashanta]

Dont withdraw anything you feel is important and don't let these for bullies put you off. This forum is is for you and if you need any support I will be happy to help you.
Tyhe Exe is a coincidence and as you know I do not know you.