On Mon, 10 Nov 2003 17:36:58 -0800, "Lloyd Sumpter"
wrote:

snip

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


Also it is considered good seamanship to be ready for an engine
failure when motoring into tight areas. (At least by me.) Sails put
away neatly would be hard to hoist in an emergency. )
Mark E. Williams