First of all let me say it totally sucks the guy was hit. However -
It was a 21 foot powerboat not a 45 foot twin screw.
Swimming in the "vicinity" of his sailboat? How close is that?
Were they flying a swimmers flag (alpha)? Not that most recreational boaters would recognize it.
Did the powerboat leave the scene after knowingly hitting the guy? It's not clear.
I agree 100% that no one should power through a
mooring area, but CE indicates this is a pretty busy thoroughfare in a channel or whatever. You dive there, you have a lot of responsibility to be seen and I don't think much expectation that people should slow down.
If you decide to be a pedestrian on I-5 I don't think there is a reasonable expectation that traffic should slow down.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RedBellies
I've been wondering when this would finally happen again:
Sailor severely injured on Chesapeake
I really feel for this guy. I sail nearly year round on the bay, at least twice a week. I just don't understand why powerboaters feel the need to consistently come within 50' of sailboats, usually at full power. A 17' center console doesn't bother me at all but a 40'+ power yacht on plane is dangerous that close. I shouldn't have to clip in so some asshat with twin 454s doesn't throw me out of my own cockpit. It's bad in a C22, not fun in my Albin and if I'm hiked out in my Mutineer it's scary.
I hope the DNR starts doing something about this.
|