my first... err.. collision

deniseO30 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008

coming up on the jibe mark from a port tack. the bouy was about 3ft to starboard. wind dead astern, current running contrary to the wind. (very light air) Almost no steerage when We started to jibe to starboard.. another boat was about 4 oclock on my starboard coming on fast also on a port tack. way way more the 2 boat lenths off. Saw em coming! Tried to avoid them by turning port! All I managed to do was get my boat turned enough to port to get them broadside between me and the bouy. All I heard was "Denise your wrong" by everyone on their boat. All I know is, they hit me. I don't know much about racing but I do know a helmsperson should avoid a collision if at all possible. fortunatly no real damage. It just shook me up a little after as I thought about it. Had I been coming on that way.. I would have depowered the jib and main. wrong or right..I would do my damnest to not collide. up to that point I was having a blast! A new guy contacted me and came on as crew! First time I've ever had anyone on my boat that knew what do without me telling how and when! Basically I was just steering! My arms don't even hurt tonight! Will I not race again? It crossed my mind... for about 10 seconds! Nope I will get out there again. finally I'm able to hold the wheel on course even with her dipping the rail! last year I would have well.. lets just say brown stains in my shorts!

camaraderie · #2 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008

"Nope I will get out there again. finally I'm able to hold the wheel on course even with her dipping the rail! last year I would have well.. lets just say brown stains in my shorts!"

I nominate Denise to AFOC status! Seconds??

Stillraining · #3 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008

Here..here!

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008

I third the motion, and say it should pass by acclamation.

deniseO30 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008

well thanks! lol... . Rules 11 and 12 on the USsailing dvd Seems those that thought they were so right about me being wrong were wrong about me being wrong, not that I think i'm right! (I think i know what i just said!)

sailingdog · #6 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008

Can you say that fast three times without flubbing it??

Quote:

Seems those that thought they were so right about me being wrong were wrong about me being wrong not that I think i'm right! (I think i know what i just said!)

sailingfool · #7 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008

Denise,
The three rules that put them in the wrong were:
1. giving room to a boat ahead at a turning mark
2. overtaking boat keep clear
3. regardless of rights, avoid a collision (then protest..)

You should not have tried to avoid them unless a collison was immenent, they could have a leg to stand on if your change of course, other than that related to a proper mark rounding, interferred with their ability to keep clear...

FYI,
my advice is to try to find some local one design racing and get on someone's small boat for a while. First you get a lot of boat-to-boat in ashort period of time so you learn quickly,, and any accidents aren't likely to be too expensive nor life-threatening.

camaraderie · #8 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008

Denise..should you not have any pinkie-winkies suitable for burgee service, AFOC outfitter Xort will be happy to sell you a pair of tighty-whities to signify your new found status.

I am assured that hoisting a pair will instantly resolve all problems of getting crowded while rounding a mark!

danielgoldberg · #9 (**permalink**) 08-02-2008

I give up. AFOC??? I ran some searches and I can't find what it means.

sailingdog · #10 (**permalink**) 08-02-2008

See this thread: LINK

If you can't figure it out from that, your IQ is smaller than your shoe size...

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielgoldberg

I give up. AFOC??? I ran some searches and I can't find what it means.