Posted by Ed Kiser on May 13, 2009 at 16:03:47 user Kisered.
In Reply to: Re: one hoot - turning to starboard posted by Mike Field on May 13, 2009 at 13:24:33:
"Engines going astern" is the definition of S (SIERRA) in the site I previously referenced regarding different types of signalling. The "S" in Morse is three dots, so that would correspond with the 3 hoots to indicate the same meaning.
As to sending Morse with a single flapping flag, I am wondering if the mode of distinguishing dot from dash may be another one of those things that are different depending on which side of The Pond one is on. The description of flick to sender's right for dot and flick to sender's left is dash is in the USA SEASCOUTS HANDBOOK. The problem with that is, unless one is very familiar with that custom, it might be at first a bit easily misunderstood. People do seem to get their RIGHT from their LEFT confused sometimes, especially if an American driving in the UK (and I DON'T mean, "University of Kentucky"). However, Mike, your described mode of a quick flick is dot and a wide sweep is a dash is not one that would be easily gotten backwards in definition. But I am wondering, where is the flag when in "neutral" between elements of the signalling? Maybe does not matter, as long as the flag is returned to that neutral position and paused a moment between the elements of dot/dash.
I do remember the fun we had, those of us in the "IN CROWD" that is, in the know, when at lunch time at school, I would sit at my place, fork in hand, held straight up, then with a quick waggle of the wrist, wave it to my right (dot) or wave it to my left (dash), immediately after each, returning to the upright position, and have someone far away at the very end of that table be able to "read" my message, while all the others nearby merely think that I'm nuts. For a closer range, I could use just my fist, with the thumb sticking UP, and make those right/left twists with the wrist to make communications. I think the main fun of that was that so many did not know what we were doing.
During those few years that I was sailing my catamaran, I did not have a horn but I did carry a whistle on a neck chain that had an amazingly loud sound. But in small boats, especially since most of us messing about were essentially landlubbers anyway, with no understanding of one hoot or two, usually yelling was better communication between sailboats.
Now motorboats were another thing, as they were too loud for that and too fast to be able to do anything about it in time anyway. Those motor jockys seem to enjoy roaring by, all too closely, just to watch mast, sail, and boom swinging violently as I rocked in their wash. It was "Fun" to them, and the more we screamed about it, the more jollies they seemed to get from their near misses. Mutter...mumble... Razzlefratz !!
Today, I am quite delighted to be able to practice "those ancient skills" with a simple flashlight, shining towards the upper floor bedrooom window next door, where my granddaughter sleeps, and to see her responses in kind in return. At least, that is one little part of Ransome that I was able to pass on to her, even though his books are "boring, no magic" to her. Sigh... Enjoy what little victory the signalling is.
Ed Kiser, Kentucky