BoatBanter.com - View Single Post - Dangerous Maga-yacht in Maine

Wayne.B

On 31 Jul 2006 13:36:29 -0700, wrote:

Just exactly when is a singlehanded sailor in a strong wind expected to
drop the sheet or the steering apparatus to pick up, turn on, tune in
the correct channel, and broadcast a radio call on a handheld radio?
When some rich asshole in a big yacht is about to run him over, I
guess.

Attitude check.

The guy running the yacht was probably working for a living, and a
long way from rich. Your other description is unworthy of comment.

Sailing single handed in a strong breeze does not excuse anyone from
seamanlike obligations or responsibilities, e.g., the radio
could/should have been readily at hand and turned on, sail
could/should have been shortened to a more managable level, an
autopilot could/should be available when single or short handing.

You have some dangerous preconceptions.