On Tue, 30 Sep 2003 07:00:11 +0000, RGrew176 wrote:

From: "Clarence Bell"

One of the most common discourtesies that I see in the Chesapeake Bay is sail
boaters under power with sails up in a dead calm wind demanding the right of
way because they can only make 6 kts after they turn in front of the "stand-on"
vessel.

A sail boat with sail up but under power is considered a power boat until the
engine is shut down and they are under sail only. It is a commonly used ploy
here on the Great Lakes. Needless to say when passing a sail boat I try not to
rock the boat.

ALthough I can't speak for all sailboaters, and certainly I've seen my share of
discourteous ones (if you think you're yelled at as a powerboater, you should
try asserting your "stand-on" rights under sail!"STARBOARD!!!!"), there are some
Very Valid reasons to be motoring with sail up.

1. The sail reduces roll and makes the ride much more comfortable.

2. You get a bit more speed/power if there is some wind. This is usually
referred to as "motorsailing": using power partly from the wind, but still
regarded as a powerboat in the Regs.

3. If engine fails, your sail is already up to give you whatever speed you can
get from it. VERY useful if your engine fails when you're in front of a
freighter...(and if you NEVER crossed in front of a freighter, you'd never sail
anywhere in Vancouver Hbr - you just have to make sure you're well out of the
way by the time they get there)

So, sailboats often motor with their sail(s) up. Doesn't mean they're trying to
"put one over" on you and pretend their a sailboat.

Lloyd Sumpter
"Far Cove" Catalina 36