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Stand on sailing rules
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Author:  surfslammer [ Sun Nov 20, 2011 6:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Stand on sailing rules

I know that a sailing vessel is the stand on vessel over all power driven vessel no matter what, but if the power driven vessel is pulling a skier is that considered a vessel with a tow and then in a restricted maneuvering vessel? The reason I am asking is the lakes in Texas are getting smaller and more crowed, but with the colder water it does not happen very often these days! By the way had a great Hobie day today on Lake Conroe oh yeah!

Author:  IndyWave [ Sun Nov 20, 2011 6:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stand on sailing rules

A power boat with a skier is still more maneuverable than a sailboat, and able to chose her own course, therefore the sailboat has the right of way. A responsible ski driver will be watching well ahead for other vessels.

Unfortunately, a large percentage of ski drivers are not responsible and are often intoxicated, and therefore cannot be relied on to adhere to the law. And when they're tubing, add unpredictably swerving to the above.

It's safest to avoid them, if possible.

Author:  mmiller [ Mon Nov 21, 2011 12:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stand on sailing rules

Quote:
a sailing vessel is the stand on vessel over all power driven vessel no matter what


Not always...

(j) A vessel of less than 20 meters (65') in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the safe passage of a power-driven vessel following a traffic lane.

Rule 9 - Narrow Channels
(b) A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.

(b) A sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:
(i) a vessel not under command;
(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver;
(iii) a vessel engaged in fishing.

Author:  jkkartz [ Mon Nov 21, 2011 1:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stand on sailing rules

A sailboat must also give way when they are passing another vessel.

Author:  srm [ Tue Nov 22, 2011 7:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stand on sailing rules

After many years of often sailing on a crowded NJ bay, I've come to the conclusion that the best rule is to simply avoid all other boats if reasonably possible, regardless of size or type. 90% of the folks out there either don't know the rules or simply choose not to follow them (especially when it comes to avoiding annoying little sailboats). It's a lot less frustrating and dangerous to simply slow down, tack, or make a slight course change than trying to play chicken with a speeding powerboater.

Also keep in mind that the Law of Gross Tonnage always applies, and unfortunately, Hobies reside at the bottom of the tonnage scale. I also recommend that if a powerboater does alter his course for you, that you give them a wave to let them know that you actually appreciate that they've followed the rules. Doing so will help ensure that they continue to do so.

sm

Author:  augaug [ Tue Nov 22, 2011 9:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stand on sailing rules

arm wrote:
.... I've come to the conclusion that the best rule is to simply avoid all other boats if reasonably possible, regardless of size or type.... I also recommend that if a powerboater does alter his course for you, that you give them a wave to let them know that you actually appreciate that they've followed the rules. Doing so will help ensure that they continue to do so...


I totally agree with this. If other boaters see you as someone who keeps out of their way, they'll try to keep out of your way. If you're seen as "that annoying sailboat who's always in the way of our good time on our powerboat" then you'll just be asking for trouble.

Simply waving at other boaters as they provide courtesy, and sometimes just sailing the same general area of a busy lake (back and forth on the same line) can make you a much more respected boater. Just make sure that your line isn't in the way of an area that someone else was using.

Where I'm from, others generally see what's going on, and stay out of each other's way.

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