What annoys me most

[Davidrogerson]

I love sailing and i'd encourage anyone to try it.
However i'm getting increasingly annoyed with fairweather sailors people who generally have no idea about the col-regs and general seamanship this applies mostly to motorboat owners but also sailboats.
Recently a vessel (under sail) was overtaking me (under engine) when the "Skipper" called across, Cant you see i'm sailing to which i replied yes but you're the overtaking vessel so p**s off.
And this is raising a question for me you don't at the moment have to recieve any training before buying a yacht and having a jolly around your nearest water, so should this be changed,Should mandatory training courses be implemented, i personally think so as when the sun comes out so do a load of rich idiots who tend to pose a risk and danger to those who follow the rules and show at least some courtesy to fellow sailors.

[smackdaddy]

David - I'd agree with you wholeheartedly. However, that was probably me in the sailboat - so instead here's a link to a lively conversation that went on regarding this very thing. You ought to buy CrusingDad a few beers and listen to him rant on this one!

License to Sail, Baby

[sailingdog]

I wish shooting them was allowed...but the USCG and local police frown on that reaction, however justified it may seem at the time.

[k1vsk]

Some people just don't know any better. Others are quick to arrogantly point it out to them. Frankly, this sounds like a combination of both. There are a far greater number of poor automobile drivers who can arguably inflict much more harm so if you really want to focus your anger on a problem, you might pick the bigger one.

I've been sailing for 50 years, served in the USCG, taught vessel safety and have probably seen and heard it all. My humble advice is to find someone on your dock, marina or anchorage you perceive might need some constructive help and give it rather than complain about them here.

[sailaway21]

Originally Posted by k1vsk

Some people just don't know any better. Others are quick to arrogantly point it out to them. Frankly, this sounds like a combination of both. There are a far greater number of poor automobile drivers who can arguably inflict much more harm so if you really want to focus your anger on a problem, you might pick the bigger one.

I've been sailing for 50 years, served in the USCG, taught vessel safety and have probably seen and heard it all. My humble advice is to find someone on your dock, marina or anchorage you perceive might need some constructive help and give it rather than complain about them here.

While generally agreeing with k1's post above, it would be hard not to employ Dog's firearms option if conclusive proof were available of Smacky's presence on the other boat. There's a certain attraction to the image of Smacky's Bullet Flayed Sails, BFS, that is irresistible.

When aggravated afloat it often helps to consider the myriad numbers of shore dwellers who'd swap places with you in a heartbeat. From where they're standing, on the dock, you seem to have life knocked. Try to ignore the inevitable smack and enjoy what you've been blessed with.

[Bene505]

The problem with adding courses, regulations and tests is that it may not stop with common sense. AND, it tends to grow over time until it may not be fun anymore. For instance, filing a float plan with a regulatory agency, and paying the $20 float-plan-fee, just to go to the fuel dock. Think that's rediculous? Then know that income tax started at a few percent. People didn't think it would grow to be productivity-discouraging.

Secondly, in order to afford the big boat, chances are the guy has his act together in other areas of his life. While there's no guarantee he'll straighten-up, isn't it really the rare occurance? The a$$es are really in the minority.

[smackdaddy]

Originally Posted by sailaway21

There's a certain attraction to the image of Smacky's Bullet Flayed Sails, BFS, that is irresistible.

Haven't we crossed some kind of line here, Sway? Should I hire a security entourage at this point? I think you need to check your knot, dude.

Jeez, I feel like Russell Crowe here.

[poopdeckpappy]

Mr. Rogerson, when you bought your first boat did you attend a mandatory training course or did you get your training by reading and/or hands on experience ??

[gtod25]

Originally Posted by Davidrogerson

mandatory training courses be implemented, i personally think so as when the sun comes out so do a load of rich idiots who tend to pose a risk and danger to those who follow the rules and show at least some courtesy to fellow sailors.

.

Can I ask you why you insist on flying the White Ensign in a shore location contrary to Para 9148 of the Queen's Regulations for the Royal Navy.

Chapter 91

[Boasun]

Just to add fuel to the fire: I've seen sail boats with their sails down and under power demand "Right of Way" because they are a sail boob.
Yes there should be training, schooling and testing on the Rules of the Road.