Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
night sailing - too close for comfort.
out for a late night sail last week, which i do a lot of.
western edge of long island sound, ny on a port tack heading southwest towards the throgs neck bridge. slack tide. particulary dark night. full main and jib set 15 knots wind keeping a vigilant eye out for ships, i spot a black form against the lights of the city in front of me and realize it is a tug and barge and i also realize (in the absence of visible nav lights) his small profile means he is headed right at me and steaming. i decide to tack the boat around 180 degrees and give him some room........assuming (correctly) his course has 2 possiblities--he is going to continue eastbound in the sound or he is going to turn north towards eastchester bay to anchor his barge (partial mistake no.1?). he turns northeast towards the barge anchorage, paralleling my course and i am east of him and the barge anchorage- out of his way. towards the east i spot another ship (freighter) steaming westbound for the gate. he is north of the lane that most of the commerical ships take for the bridge. and a quick visual calculation tells me i can cross his bow without problem and also because he needs to turn behind my stern to set his course for the bridge (and soon!) (partial mistake no.2?) they are both aware that i am here-- million candle power lights illuminating sails had a way of doing that. (my light) 1: the freighter, westbound, is not turning although i have crossed his bow--only slightly and he'll end up passing beyond me, far too close and moving fast. 2: the tug/barge decides to steer a circle around the barge anchorage and end up eastbound again --off my port beam and close enough that i can see the pilot. he has slowed down significantly at this point as i am now between both vessels. (on a starboard tack) 3: they both passed "safely" at my stern, to the south of me the freigher first, the tug next. this was really too close for comfort, and i had my hands full sailing. not to negate my responsiblity, i think constrained by draft here is a relative term, if it even applies. they each had a mile of room to the south (behind me) to manuveur and cannot understand why they would choose to approach so closely, as my actions were clear, my course was appropriate and consistent and meant to give each a wide berth and for whatever it may be worth, i think everyone took the correct actions i believe i was the stand on vessel the freighter was 2nd in pecking order the tug/barge gave way what would you have done differently? gf. |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
American Sailing Association frequently asked questions | ASA | |||
History of the American Sailing Navy - 1949 - Chapelle | Tall Ships | |||
History of the American Sailing Navy - 1949 - Chapelle | Boat Building | |||
Best night for the Willie T? | Cruising | |||
Escapism Sailing | ASA |