Nice trip up the Ouse spoiled

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mark.adams

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Started out with the best of intentions, came across a trio of sailing boats zig zagging across the river making it incredibly difficult for anyone to pass from either direction. I understand power gives way to sail but these three, quite close together made it very stressful trying to pass them without hitting them, the Ouse isn't that wide at the best of times...
 
When I questioned a raggie friend of mine as to why he insisted on sailing up the River Hamble, even when it was chocker with all types of boats trying to get back on their berths, he simple said "cause he could " nuff said really ......:(
 
A perennial issue in many locations. On the Broads it is common although some stretches of river are quite wide (but not all). As someone who sails I am often able to anticipate what a sailing boat is likely to do but unfortunately I can't account for the occasional idiot at the helm who thinks that 'power gives way to sail' is absolute and means he can do what he wants, when he wants with no consideration for others. This is very common when they are racing, when they have absolute rights over the water! :) :) :)
 
Yes, it happens and the only answer seems to be to proceed with caution and ignore the inevitable shouts.
Unfortunately there are unreasonable people everywhere (on and off water) so it's best to shrug and get over it IMO.
 
...power gives way to sail but...

The sailboat as 'stand-on vessel' is obliged (as far as possible) to maintain its course and speed; so it's not acceptable (but can be fun) to claim priority whilst tacking back and forth across your bows.

If/when you get the shout notifying you that they're 'stand-on vessel', politely reply by reminding them of this, their own obligation.
 
To be honest, as a newbie to boating, it was terrifying, i managed to pass one without incident but the second much bigger seemed determined to make it as difficult as possible, to pass so i bottled it, did an about turn and headed back, only to come across rowers from the local rowing school, on the wrong side.....
 
mark.adams said:
Started out with the best of intentions, came across a trio of sailing boats zig zagging across the river making it incredibly difficult for anyone to pass from either direction. I understand power gives way to sail but these three, quite close together made it very stressful trying to pass them without hitting them, the Ouse isn't that wide at the best of times...
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Learn to sail. Then you will be able to anticipate their movements better.
It's rare that other people enjoying themselves spoil my day on the water, but selfish people can do.
Because it seems you don't know how to sail it is impossible to say if these are three reasonable sailors having a nice day or are just being a bit selfish.
bTW under the colregs you are allowed in certain circumstnaces to tack and otherwise change heading whilst complying with " maintaining course and speed".
 
mark.adams said:
To be honest, as a newbie to boating, it was terrifying, i managed to pass one without incident but the second much bigger seemed determined to make it as difficult as possible, to pass so i bottled it, did an about turn and headed back, only to come across rowers from the local rowing school, on the wrong side.....
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Norwich?
 
SWMBO is an ex competitive rower so she had a better idea than i what they were doing, even she said taking up the whole river was selfish and the fact they were close together made it even worse.
I'm sure it was 50% me being nervous and 50% them being selfish

Elessar said:
Because it seems you don't know how to sail it is impossible to say if these are three reasonable sailors having a nice day or are just being a bit selfish.
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It is just one of those things, if you have a faster mode of transport then you have wait for a safe opportunity to overtake something slower. You don't have any priority over them, you just need to change your thinking.
 
Top tip.

Aim to be as close to the bank/ edge of the channel as you can and just behind them.

Then when they tack, bit of welly and through. They will have to cross the river twice before they are likely to bother you again.

Don't be afraid to talk to them and confirm - just something like "I'll pass behind you after you tack, OK?"

They may swear and whine but if you're behaving like above then ignore them.

If you want to really annoy them, pass them just before they need to tack so they have nowhere to go. Then you'll hear some new swear words.
 
mark.adams said:
Started out with the best of intentions, came across a trio of sailing boats zig zagging across the river making it incredibly difficult for anyone to pass from either direction. I understand power gives way to sail but these three, quite close together made it very stressful trying to pass them without hitting them, the Ouse isn't that wide at the best of times...
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I've deleted my initial thoughts.

I know they've been quoted below but I have apologised to Mark for my reaction, and tried to justify it :rolleyes:
 
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Just_sayin' said:
I'm sorry but I think that this is a reasonably pathetic post.

You were in your power boat (lucky you) on a river (boo hoo) when three other boats tacking slowed you down for what? a few minutes? What are they supposed to do? Aren't they allowed to sail? Do you have some rights not known to others?

And your trip was spoiled.

A bit like being in say an Aston Martin and getting some red traffic lights.

Poor you.

Me? off the throttle, let them past, day continues, fun, fun, fun. Everybody wins.

Or you,

My day was RUINED I tell you, RUINED !!!! Poor me :sleeping:
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I take it your engines haven't been fixed and you're still stuck in a marina?

Thankfully the forum cannot be judged on one.
 
I just thought maybe a little jealousy had crept in or a little stir crazy?

Nothing wrong with an opinion it's the delivery that's questionable, but hey, some people enjoy being rude, jus sayin.
 
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