How OffShore to be an 'Offshore" passage?

[belizesailor]

In common usage the term "offshore" is very vague and way over used IMHO.

As pointed out in a prior post, there are official legal definitions of what this "offshore" and "near coastal" mean under both Canadian and USA regulations (and a number of other countries too I assume).

Personally, I prefer the legal definitions because they are unambiguous and relevant for legal/insurance purposes whereas the extremely vague and subjective common usage is none of the above.

[boatman61]

When I was a lad... a man just went to sea... there was none of this poncey ego **** like ocean or offshore... it all kills..

[tomfl]

Originally Posted by GrowleyMonster

SNIP
If you have to ask the question whether you are offshore or not, you aren't.

Growing up in South Florida the test for me was when the water turned from green to blue. Once you got into the Gulf Stream there was a much different feel and, at least for me, there was no doubt I was offshore.

[boatman61]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Stoopid ole buga

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by boatman61

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Stoopid ole buga

Sorry bout that Tomfl.... this was supposed to come b4 your post... you were to quick off the mark ..

[Capt Phil]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

In common usage the term "offshore" is very vague and way over used IMHO.

As pointed out in a prior post, there are official legal definitions of what this "offshore" and "near coastal" mean under both Canadian and USA regulations (and a number of other countries too I assume).

Personally, I prefer the legal definitions because they are unambiguous and relevant for legal/insurance purposes whereas the extremely vague and subjective common usage is none of the above.

Yes, but fun to read.... Phil

[FSMike]

Originally Posted by tomfl

--- In general Hawk's Channel is suppose to be about five miles off shore ----

tomfl -
I lived in the keys for a number of years. Hawk Channel was considered to be in between the reef and the keys. It offered calmer conditions than outside the reef.

[Mike OReilly]

When I'm sailing between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie, off in the middle of the inland sea known as Lake Superior, the shore can be 70 nm north or south of me, and well over 120 nm east or west. No land in sight. No one to help if things go wrong.

So, am I "offshore"?

[jim767]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

Offshore.


So far out that all the Beneteaus have sunk and only the double enders with paper charts remain afloat.

Now that IS funny.

[Blue Crab]

Originally Posted by FSMike

tomfl -
I lived in the keys for a number of years. Hawk Channel was considered to be in between the reef and the keys. It offered calmer conditions than outside the reef.

Yepper

[sailorboy1]

lot of thought going into the answer

but once you are too far to swim in or for those of shore to see you waving to get their attention it just doesn't seem to matter much anymore

personally I feel better once I get away from the dangerous shore lines

[tomfl]

Originally Posted by FSMike

tomfl -
I lived in the keys for a number of years. Hawk Channel was considered to be in between the reef and the keys. It offered calmer conditions than outside the reef.

My bad.

FSMike is right.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by Capt Phil

I like GrowleyMonsters description the best... +1... cheers, Phil

I can get radio half way round the globe, I have slow internet at sea, when I am I offshore!!

Dave

[miketo]

Sounds like the article mentioned in the OP was from people seeking status from other boaters. Had a guy years back who helped me on a boat delivery from Seattle to Long Beach in January, and he later boasted of a "North Pacific in January" delivery.

The best sailors I've ever sailed with did little boasting, just did the job quietly and in a highly competent fashion. No hyperbole needed.

[Sailorman Ed]

If you want "legal" definitions, these are from Transport Canada. The US has probably has similar one:
Quote: The four new voyage classifications are:

I have to ask the question, why does Transport Canada even have to come up with these classifications? And how do they even apply to recreational boaters?