On Tue, 4 Sep 2007 11:33:08 -0700, in message

"Capt. JG" wrote:

"Ryk" wrote in message
.. .

On the other hand, a vessel flying sails, even if under power, can be
subject to all the usual requirements for sailing handling while
maneuvering. If I am reaching along with a spinnaker up in twenty
knots of breeze, then the ability to put my engine immediately into
gear does not improve my options to avoid collision.


Actually, it would... put your engine in reverse and you'll slow down.

Given the relative size of my engine and my spinnaker, and the
tendency of a folding prop to stay folded while moving forwards, I
don't think it would do much good ;-)

Ryk