Medway Saturday PM Sorry!

[CalicoJack]

On Saturday 13th @about 14:30 we had entered the Medway and were tacking upriver past Sheerness. We were on the Port Tack and failed to give way to yacht on the Starboard tack. I can only apologise and thank goodness the other yacht was more awake than we were.

It is no defence but the reason for this to occur was an unfortunate combination of events. Firstly, the day breeze had come on and we were over canvased and in the process of trying to reef our main; something that we should have done much earlier. Secondly, we had not realised that when heeled over so that the lee rail was in the water, something that we don't usually allow to happen, a full genoa obscures any vessel approaching from the starboard side forward of the beam. Thirdly with only myself, wife and ten year old son, who was having hysterics as he thought the boat was about to capsise, we just did'nt realise that you had got so close.

If you were the skipper of the other yacht thank you, for taking the necessary action! I'm sorry that I cannot identify you as I didn't spot the name of your vessel.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Hey... we've all been there!

I will confess to getting really cross a couple of years ago with the little working boat in Harwich harbour that seemed determined to stand on.... and as I took last minute avoiding action saw him furiously pointing at the ball diamond ball day shapes, and read 'harbour survey operations' across the transom.....

Whoops!

 

[Marmalade]

Theoretical... whilst reefing the main, could the OP have hoisted a not-under-command day shape signalling that he was unable to comply with colregs?

 

[Wunja]

Good for you for making an apology; unlike the people who glared at us as we tacked to avoid them two weeks ago as they trundled on their merry way!
Made me start to question whether we were on port or starbord tack!

 

[CPD]

[ QUOTE ]
Good for you for making an apology

[/ QUOTE ]
Hear hear - I guess we have all been there and got the T- shirt. I have.

 

[Cobra]

[ QUOTE ]
Theoretical... whilst reefing the main, could the OP have hoisted a not-under-command day shape signalling that he was unable to comply with colregs?

[/ QUOTE ] Actual...I think from the OP's description of the situation, hoisting NUC day shape was probably the last thing on his mind! (Assuming the above quote was not said tongue in cheek!!! )

 

[Gin]

Wasn't us but what I nice attitude- only a churl could bear a grudge- well done.

A 10m boat might be a little big for our swingers but you would be welcome if you chose to visit us one weekend (tidal access restrictions) in fact we have our annual hog roast on Sunday next (Hoo Ness Yacht Club)- why not drop in (£8 per head) for food and good company

 

[pessimist]

Don't sail there any more so it wasn't us! Good for you for making a public apology. As others have said we've all been there but I've certainly never though of making an apology this way. Maybe next time I will......

Cheers,

Colin