Racing Dinghies on the river

Forbsie

Forbsie

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Could someone please let me know what is expected of a motorboat approaching sailing dinghies racing on a river. I have tried slowing down if someone is approaching a mark, moving to leeward, keeping a straight course but what does the racer expect/wish me to do so that they can continue without penalty.
 
If your trying to keep clear and can do safely, head towards the stern of the dinghy .. but be aware they might do a complete u-turn round the mark and head back the way they came!
No one easy answer really - you can always shout to the helm and ask them where they want you to go ... don't always expect a polite answer though - cos sometimes they're rude !!
 
From experience on the Norfolk Broads as a racing sailor, safety boat crew and motor cruiser, I came to the conclusion that the only sensible approach is to stick close too the bank and proceed slowly through the racing fleet. Its easier for them to avoid you by doing this than to try and weave your way through a mass of dinghy's. Indeed, we used to use the presence of a motorboat to a tactical advantage at times!

I suspect that whatever you do a certain minority that believe they have more right to the water than you will be unhappy but alas thats always the way!
 
Just a general query really. I'm just downliver (just noticed sp...if that's not Fraudian, I don't know what is!!) from you at Twickenham (but maybe moving up past the Magpie. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif)

This wasn't a question to rile anyone but one of genuine interest. When I came back down at the weekend, they seemed to be happy with me going in a straight line but if I thought that they may slow up for me when there was little wind, I tried to indicate for them to keep going. I kept into the side for some skiffs turning at Kingston Bridge but then remembered that they would want to go up the inside for less current.

Since I've just bought a raggie, I am going to wave at everyone and even accepy cans of beer from stinkies when I'm in the Sharpie. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
But if you see a fleet milling about for the start, keep clear. For the more river-wise, if the clubhouse is flying a 'P' flag the race is about to start so wait for the gun before going through them.

I once watched a large boat under motor coming down towards the start line of a keelboat race; he crossed the line heading in the same direction as the fleet a few seconds before the start, heard the gun and realised he was in the middle of the action so turned back. The guy who made a perfect start under spinnaker followed by a gybe all standing as the offender cut across his bows was not impressed.
 
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