Posted by andy bolger on June 20, 2001 at 20:31:06 from 213.1.78.98:
In Reply to: Re: Sailing Right of Way rules posted by Gwyn on June 20, 2001 at 10:49:20:
But what were the racing rules in the 30's? After all they were racing. I imagine the rules John refers to date from the days of square rigged ships and no engines, when beating up a narrow channel was a laborious but necessary chore on the way harbour and home. You wouldn't want to give a hard won inch.
Nowadays when to be without an auxillary motor seems to be considered a mark of dangerous eccentricity, the terms of engagement, so to speak, have changed.In terms of courtesey and commonsense, I'd suggest that, in small fore and aft rigged boats it is probably easier to give way when close hauled than when running. It's simple enough to luff up into the wind whereas taking avoiding action with the wind behind you might involve jibing which, as readers of SD will remember, can be quite exciting.
Just a thought, I await being blown out of the water.