Lights?

[pugwash]

Re: What about loss of memory?

Couldn't agree more. On my way to the oral bit of my Yachtmaster exam years ago I suddenly realized I had to know semaphore (those were the days!) and I hadn't raised a flag since I was in the Cubs. So I sat on a park bench and in one hour taught myself semaphore and passed the test. Next day I'd forgotten it. So much for exams.

The trick is to know that such things as dredgers and long tows exist and when you spot a distant light might be a possibility. And, as you say, to know where to find things out quickly. A fairly systematic revision every spring is necessary. And stick laminated sheets of signals etc on the inside of the heads door as well as other places.

 

[plopp]

Re: No Joke,I thought not! NM

Had Raynaud`s phenomenon, and the blood supply shut down in the fingers whilst out sailing in the cold,injured finger later then Gangrene set in Five operations later,hand had to come off. Have pictures from hospital on cd cost £50 shall I put them on the web,no good for appetite though!

 

[Cornishman]

Re: And signals?

It is a requirement of the Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Commercial Vessels that they have the SOLAS Code of Signals displayed and behind the door in the heads is as good a place as any. Gives you something else to do while your trousers are around your ankles!

 

[Col]

Re: No Joke,I thought not! NM

Thats really bad luck, hope it doesn't curtail your sailing.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/colspics> Cols Picture Album</A>

 

[charles_reed]

On my way back from the Westcountry, about 40 years ago, I pulled. knackered, into Swanage Bay, intending to drop the anchor and get some kip before carrying on into Poole and my trots mooring opposite Sherry's Wharf.

About to drop the hook I noted a large lit mass about a mile away - feverish thumbing trough Reeds led me to the considered opinion that it was a seaplane tender with a >150' long tow.
As it wasn't moving and I was dropping on my feet, I put the hook down and slept the sleep of the just.

The following morning the seaplane tender and tow turned out to be Swanage Pier.

Which just goes to show that carrying reference books, being replete with smug self-confidence or thinking you know it all because you've got one of those sustificates from the RYA, will all come to nowt whn faced with the real thing.