"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 27 Jul 2006 14:07:14 -0400, "Scotty"
wrote:

"Wayne.B" wrote in
I can tell you from experience that evading oncoming
sailboats is
problematic.

yeah, it's a real bitch to turn that steering wheel.

Your sarcasm runneth over.

Try it sometime from the other helm and report back. Most large
powerboats are run by autopilot in open water, and course corrections
are usually done in one or two degree increments, not dodging all over
the ocean for a sailboat that may or may not decide to tack in front
of you, or may or may not be lifted by the latest puff of wind. On my
boat, which is substantial but no where near mega yacht size, I will
typically close to within 100 or 200 yards before I even begin to
commit to one side or another. If the other boat makes an unexpected
course change inside of 100 yards they can create a very dangerous
situation. I can crash stop in about 50 yards (3 boat lengths) but it
is very tough on the engines and transmissions.


Can we all just agree that EVERY skipper has the duty and obligation to
avoid collisions with other vessels, and to make our intentions known to
other boats on the water? Generally speaking, however, powerboats (or
sailboats under power, being the same thing) are much more maneuverable,
and/or free to take any heading they like, than sailboats. When
singlehanding my ketch, I also use autopilot quite a bit -- nevertheless,
that doesn't relieve me of the obligation to avoid collisions.

Karin Conover-Lewis
Rawson 30 ketch "Escapade"
Marinette WI