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John H.[_9_]

On Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:01:27 -0400, wrote:

On Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:03:24 -0700, "Capt. JG"
wrote:

"Wayne.B" wrote in message
. ..
On Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:46:42 -0400, Jeff wrote:

So, are you claiming that running a genset really does make a sailboat a
powerboat???

A genset is not a propulsion engine obviously.

The issue here is not so much with other boats recognizing who is
legally under sail, but rather with the behavior of the sail boat.
If the skipper of a sailboat with the propulsion engine running
continues to behave as the stand-on vessel when otherwise burdened, he
is breaking the rules and creating a dangerous situation. This is
actually quite logical when you think about it. Otherwise a give-way
sailboat under power could simply shift into neutral and reclaim the
right-of-way at the last minute.

Exactly. If I have my engine on (don't own a genset), I consider myself a
powerboat and act accordingly. No confusion is possible from other boats.

My take on this whole thing is, If I see a sailboat with canvas up I
stay out of his way. Even if he doesn't really have the right of way
he thinks he does. It's a beautiful day on the water, I am not in a
hurry to get anywhere and I don't want to argue today.

I agree with this post. It's too easy to swing around behind a
sailboat with his sails up.