O.p.e.c. - Page 2

sailingdog · #11 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008

Yes, sailboats can be rude too...but it happens far less and is usually far less dangerous... Last year, we got wake rocked by an idiot in a go-fast, and people on a nearby CD25 were actually injured because of the four foot high wake that the idiot caused. Being 18' wide does have some advantages.

US27inKS · #12 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008

I feel very lucky to be at Perry Lake KS. The stinkpotters that we have generally stay at the other end of the lake. Even if I go down to the far end, the stinkpotters that I have come across are very nice. Never an unnecessary wake, and always a friendly wave. We even have had a few come all the way up to our end of the lake to drop anchor and watch a race or two.

Of course they have been good for some entertainment as well. A year ago the lake was WAY up. Our large rock breakwater was under water about 10 inches. A very large and very nice stinkpot thought he would just motor up into our marina, and hit the submerged rocks very, very hard. I guess they don't teach you red, right, returning in stinkpot school.

denby · #13 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008

I bought a video camera so I can video them trying to swamp my boat, this happen twice last year while I was under full sail. One boat kept turning towards me as I tried to turn away so that he could pass within 20 feet, and every one on board the stickpot turn to watch the sail boat rock in his wake. This year I'll have a cd to give the CG.

kenhoneycutt · #14 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008

Watch out for the idiots in the cages (cars for those who've never rode).

CalebD · #15 (**permalink**) 05-22-2008

As for the J-24s that were coming up to you on port tack, they thought they were racing each other and probably did not consider that you were there. I would call them 'race-holes'.
J-24s are racing boats and that is just about all they are good for. I have sailed one and they are fun. Racers seem to think that barges and tugs are in their way and should avoid them which is never the case.
Watch out for any 'official' race and avoid it as you would a barge and tug. This is also considered a courtesy (if you are a racer) as any boat that has to tack more than they need to loses time.
If you don't give a crap then just barge right through the race-holes on a starboard tack. Otherwise you will hear them shouting 'starboard' while requesting you to tack. Port tack defers to starboard. Windward boat defers to leeward boat by racing rules in case of collision.
People are ice-holes everywhere. We all know this from driving anywhere near a big city. Racers are like city drivers for the most part.
As far as power boaters go, there is a saying I heard down on the Chesapeake that says: "July and August are the 'Shake and Bake' months"; meaning that the wakes from powerboats and the lack of wind leave you baking in the sun and with the lack of wind your boat 'shakes' with every power boat wake that passes you.
Power boats have their place. I just don't have a place for one in my life right now. I respect working power boats more than pleasure craft that some absent minded dentist might be driving: fishing, crabbing (yes, they are working), and commercial vessels all are in my list of vessels to avoid when under sail (or motoring).
People are idiots everywhere. Give some respect and you might get some at odd moments.
My best.

senatorcongressman · #16 (**permalink**) 05-22-2008

Sorry for contributing to the thread hi-jack in progress...

The bulk of my on the water experience has been in powerboats, where for me the "rules of the road" usually meant staying out of other's way (not that hard to do, and I'm a good sport) Now, I've only been under sail a couple of times without an instructor and it seems that on the bay (near Annapolis at least) the rules of the road are followed by ~50% of sailors and o-peckers alike. Several times this past weekend, I was forced to alter course to avoid shoal areas and other boats, despite being the leeward boat on a starboard tack. Usually its bigger boats sailing short handed that get within 1-2 boatlengths before I'm muscled out of the way. Kinda like big trucks on the highway: move or i will crush you.

But I guess rule #1 still rules: stay out of the way if you don't want a collision.

Boasun · #17 (**permalink**) 05-22-2008

I call them "Zip" boats....

Why?

Because they zip over here and zip over there for the slightest of reasons.

Boasun · #18 (**permalink**) 05-22-2008

Then you have the Weekend Warriors with the fancy Bass Boats.
They buy a $30,000 boat along with $500 to a $1,000 worth of fishing tackle. Then feel that they need a new $35,000 pickup to tow the boat to their favorite launching ramp. Fish all weekend and catch a fish that weights one pound. Do the math on how much that fish costs per pound.

j34035 · #19 (**permalink**) 05-22-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boasun

Then you have the Weekend Warriors with the fancy Bass Boats.
They buy a $30,000 boat along with $500 to a $1,000 worth of fishing tackle. Then feel that they need a new $35,000 pickup to tow the boat to their favorite launching ramp. Fish all weekend and catch a fish that weights one pound. Do the math on how much that fish costs per pound.

I've got more than that invested, and I have not caught a fish since 1982, but I have collected about $38.00 worth of racing trophies!!
DD