Short Wave Sportfishing wrote:
John Reimer wrote:
Sorry if anyone thinks these are stupid questions, I'm just starting
to learn this sailing thing. They're based on some actual sailing
incidents this weekend, but for which I can't find answers in my
Annapolis Book of Seamanship.

1. The Bozo Factor

It is covered by Rule 8 - basically it is incumbent on both parties to
avoid collision by any means when the risk exists.

In particular: 8(f) (i) through (iii)

Buy a copy of the Navigation Rules

I think you are incorrect in the matter, Darwin's Law overrides Rule 8,
and you should maintain your heading.

2. Do you "report" these kinds of bozos to the Coast Guard or harbor
authorities? Or just shake your head and move on?

Again, SWS you are wrong, call the CG with a report of a large
collection of flotsam in the Bay, that might hinder safe passage for
other boats and boaters.


Depends on the skipper. Your Captain may have notified the CG or HM of
the situation by radio. Sometimes you can do something, most times not.

3. Later, we almost had a collision with another, even smaller
sailboat, but that was kind of cute and funny, as the wind had died
and no one was moving. But the wave action had far more motive power
to their small boat than our huge one, so the waves were pushing them
towards us. With the most minimal wisps of wind that came up for a
second or two, they managed to get parallel, so they floated by,
backwards, down the entire length of our ship. Fenders were at the
ready. I'm assuming there's not much else you can do than that, other
than maybe they shouldn't have approached so close before the wind died?

That's why they invented things called auxillary engines. :)