What do you say

[Rabbie]

Mike: You are not alone. Your Fal story is identical to my East Head, Chichester Harbour prang after which the 'lady' faffing about on the foredeck of a Moody 32 was heard to exclaim, 'Oh my God, we've hit that boat'. Hit me they did, removing 4 feet of rubbing strake, They then tried to 'do a runner' and denied causing the damage!. I did not mince words, and being 2300hrs, hatches were banging open everywhere with many sleepy but interested parties enjoying the haranguing. Any day of any weekend, these morons can be viewed at East Head and make any relaxation impossible. Last weekend I was anchored there with 2.8 feet under my keels when a medium sized power cruiser arrived and rattled off at least 30 metres of chain. He then was swung by the fast ebb onto an innocent Westerly and utter panic ensued on the offender - how arms and legs were not broken I know not. The previous weekend, another anchoring virgin literally tore out the bitter end of the chain of an anchored vessel which was occupied only by an elderly lady and was in severe danger of being taken onto the Winner by the strong ebb. Again, this offender took off towards Itchenor before being chased and apprehended. I do not like using strong language
in public but these cretins deserve everything they get. I have decided that a relaxing stop at East Head is now impossible, except maybe in January.

 

[Johnjo]

It's exactly the same down here, Mind you it can be highly entertaining viewed from safe distance, Personly i'm all for visitors pontoons,Cost down here six pounds a day, Not a lot, Especially if visiting boat,But mainly filled at weekends by local boats,All the anchor space you could ever need and it's free,Spoke to a fellow back long .Told me ,His wife would not comewith him unless they spent the day tied to the pontoon,Not had much practice at anchoringhe he said. I suppose the good news is it leaves the anchorages free for more capable sailers .Always same old story never enough scope or too much,
When they do finally hook in it's in the wrong place, And they are too nervous to try again, Yet to see anyone practicing this , But see plenty practicing going alongside pontoons. Thank's for the opertunity to have a good rant ,Feel much better now.
mike

 

[Twister_Ken]

Whatwould seem entirely appropriate is a quote ...

...from an old friend, many years ago.

He had stopped at a red light in Esher, when several seconds later a motorcyclist drove into the back of him, fell off, and lay in the road looking somewhat untidy.

Andrew climbed out, walked back, looked down to see if any damage had been caused to his car, then calmy asked "How do you stop when I'm not here?"

 

[rich]

anybody want to buy a boat,,,,it's not like it used to be,i give up,,example,boat with prob,calls may day,no reponse,life boat goes out,when they get to mayday boat,they said there were at least 10 boats nearby/////wot the HELL is happening to boating.......

rich )

 

[Johnjo]

Have to say I entirely agree with you,These days ir seem's more important to keep up with the Jones ,than learn the art of good seamanship,Don't like tosee the way sailing is heading, Had the best of it back in seventies -eighties,what with all the gear available today it's just to easy to get a boat and go,Without learning the basics of sailing ,The tradition's and etiquet that accompany it. Take a look around any harbour ,port or anchorage today and you will see examples of the ME ME ME philosophy that prevails today .Im alright Jack and stuff the rest of you,well it pisses me off .Now I,m really getting wound up.Not good for the blood pressure you know, Wife keeps telling to calm down, Still don't think you can beat a good rant though.
mike

 

[BrianJ]

I guess it’s the same every where. . You decide on a good spot to drop the pick, because you’re the only one in this beautiful anchorage. You know the bottom is sand and you plan on a couple of days exploring this Tropical Island.

Then about 1530, you see them. It’s the charter fleet, all headed your way, bit like the Spanish Amada. They have to be at anchor by 1600 daily and radio in their destination and confirm where they are for the night.

They spot you, think, ah, must be the place to anchor, otherwise you would not risk it. The next thing is half a dozen anchors or more, being tossed onto your deck, or closes enough. Note also they were “tossed” not dropped.

What do you do…? Move or put up with them. Or wait till they open their first “Fosters” and casually say, “wouldn’t anchor there mate, bottoms no bloody good, you will drag “

BrianJ