Our own very unique interpretation on the collision regulations aided and abetted by our very helpful crew
The videos and real life have just about caught up with each other, so we told our viewers that there are a few things that we will be covering that people have requested, as well as our projects that we are doing here on Salty Lass. For me, the number one project that we are doing here on the Lass is our Yachtmasters, so we decided to start with the good old collision regulations.
So we had a lot of fun making boats out of cardboard. Chief Conway particularly liked the gun boat we made him, as it allowed his pirate nature to come out in full. He also became obsessed with treasure so buying chocolate coins at Christmas was probably a bad idea. Once the boats were made, it was off to the ladies toilets to use the floor as a studio.
So for us the No 1 thing we learnt was that there is no right of way, this is a combination of Rule 2, which can be paraphrased as obeying the rules to the letter, will not get you out of dodge, common sense is more important and if you can avoid a collision then do so. In fact rule 17 says specifically that, if you can avoid ramming other boats then do so.
Our second rule that we created was, that the least manoeuvrable vessel is the stand on vessel, while the most manoeuvrable vessel is the give way vessel.
Unfortunately there is always the one out there who does not know the rules or does not care, which is why there is a rule 17 that says if you can avoid a collision do so, because you are out on the seas with people who do not know the rules
With two power boats which are equally manoeuvrable then both are expected to turn to starboard. Prudence and Elly loved showing this and they did a great job. Also make nice big movements so that everyone knows what you are doing.
Out least manoeuvrable rule makes it very easy for you to decide who needs to move. Big tankers are less manoeuvrable than you, so they are the stand on vessell while you are the give way vessel. Small power boats and get skis are more manoeuvrable, so they are the give way vessel, while you are the stand on vessel.
Our rule also applies to to two sail boats as a boat on port tack, should be able to turn to starboard, so it is the more manoeuvrable boat, while the boat on starboard tack might not be able to turn to starboard, so they are less manoeuvrable.
When the two yachts are going in the same direction then the vessel which is upwind has a few more options than the vessel which is downwind, so they are the give way vessel.
When you are overtaking, then do not cross the other vessels path afterwards, its just silly and not very good.
Cutting room floor
Beverley added bits from the cutting room floor as it was great to laugh at the crew as they did their manoeuvres and at ourselves
