top effort

G'Day Stephen,

I was out there yesterday but not sure who the kiter in question was.

Just wanted to say that there is a lot of people out there complaining about a lot of things... its nice to seem some one who puts the time and effort in to say thank you as well... Good on ya mate !

As kite surfers, we all should respect the fact that you guys are racing in an organised event, and regarless of Port/Starboard laws, I believe, under those circumstances, that the cats should be extended right of way regardless... its not like it costs us kiters an event placing if we have to throw in an extra coulple of gybes.

For the most part, the kiters are a pretty fun loving and great bunch of guys. If ever you guys want to aproach us with some do's and dont's, or need to discuss something,please feel free to just walk up the beach and say gidday.

At the end of the day, we all suffer the same disease (wind junkies), we just use different medication to deal with the symptoms.

Thanks again,

Best wishes to you and the Kurnell Cat Club.

Hi Guys,

It's good to see some great news on this forum in amongst the endless bitching. The reality is that all vessels (including sailboards and kiters) are obliged to give way to sailing craft that are participating in an organised race, regardless of port and starboard.

The cat sailors should always have right of way once their race begins, same goes for over here at Pinnaroo on Saturdays whilst the Whitfords Bay cats are racing. Just bear off and give them plenty of room, it's bo biggy!

Good winds,

Hi Tornado,
I was kiting there same day. As far as I know all the regulars there give way to the cats and when you're racing it's your pond.

Newbies sometimes seem to stray off course as its difficult to think, kite and look around at the same time. And the occasional newcommer takes a while to learn the local rules.

We initially moved up a few groins so as not to interfere with the cats so by and large we all show you some respect.

Nice of you to thanks us.


Cheers Al.

I must state that I'm neither a kiteboarder or a cat sailor and I rarely sail on Botany Bay but in my 30 years of sailing including the last 20 years of racing I've never seen the rule about having to give way to racing boats. I appreciate that it is a courtesy extended to racers but to say others are obliged to give way is asking for trouble when you sail at other areas that don't have your "Local Rules". It is often dangerous for a cruising right of way vessel to avoid a port tack racing vessel because then no one knows who is going to manouver where.

quote:

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Originally posted by Jethrow

I must state that I'm neither a kiteboarder or a cat sailor and I rarely sail on Botany Bay but in my 30 years of sailing including the last 20 years of racing I've never seen the rule about having to give way to racing boats. I appreciate that it is a courtesy extended to racers but to say others are obliged to give way is asking for trouble when you sail at other areas that don't have your "Local Rules". It is often dangerous for a cruising right of way vessel to avoid a port tack racing vessel because then no one knows who is going to manouver where.

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From the Racing Rules of Sailing
http://www.sailing.org/newrules/rulesframes/whenboats.html and many other places on the web:
22.1 - If reasonably possible, a boat not racing shall not interfere with a boat that is racing.

It's generally accepted that if you see a course set out, with boats or sailboards or kiteboarders hooning around it, then you stay clear. I'm surprised you've neer seen this rule, as it's always in there.

I was in no way trying to demean the sentiment expressed by TornadoALIVE in saying thanks to the kiteboarders for staying out of the way and to Nebbian, I am indeed aware of that rule in the Racing rules of sailing but unfortunatly it only applies to vessels involved in racing and is to stop someone who has finished from interfering with someone who is still racing.

I mearly wanted to point out that to assume a non racing vessel will get out of your way is nieve and in certain situations, for the right of way vessel to give way is confusing to everyone. I have witnessed on more than one occasion a racing vessel coliding with a cruising boat because the cruising boat, in trying to avoid a boat racing, has instead tacked into the more nimble racing boat, who was avoiding them at the time. Once you get into close quarters it is better to follow the Col Regs.

100% agree Jethrow,

Weather you are racing or not, have right of way or not, it is best to look ahead and show your intentions early. Whilst racing, getting fouled by a non right of way boat is not fast, and if it is a cruiser, they will not need to take penalty turns. Best to stay clear and keep going fast.

If you have rights and intend to enforce them, scream out loud and early and continue until the other boat gives way. Racers understand that shouting at each other is not aggression but done to express intensions in a timely manner. Cruisers may get offended; however it is better than a hole in the boat. Best to give the cruiser a wave afterwards and shout out thanks..... Helps keep them on side.