Hi all,
we have a small sailing club using dinghy's etc that has taken to setting its race course right smack dab in the middle of where we sail in a nor-easter.
Yesterday was a classic example. Quite a few guys out when the committee boat lays the course with the leeward mark and windward mark right at the bottom and top of the area we sail in. Didnt used to happen but lately its become quite prevalent.
They come downwind from the club and just charge straight through where we sail. Yesterday I was just starting to bear away on a speed run when 2 boats cruised right in front of me. Luckily I had a gust and bore away at nearly 30 knots in front of their bows, needless to say the looks on their faces was priceless.
A lot of other guys had similar experiences.
So does anyone have any experience in contacting, what to say, working out a solution etc?????
A lot of them capsize and certainly dont look around so we are worried someone is going to get hurt, more than likely us windsurfers!!!
Any help appreciated before we contact them to try and work out a solution.

It sounds like this is a learner's course from what you've explained of the sailors not looking around and capsizing frequently. Chances are they only sail at a particular time on a particular day. I used to be involved with the learner's program and setting race courses at my old sailing club in QLD. Sometimes it's down to the person setting the actual course and not the fault of the club as such. I've raced around some pretty odd courses on days when inexperienced people were setting the marks... (sometimes the people with the experience aren't available)

First thing to do would be to contact the club and ask to speak to the head of their sailing committee. Explain the situation that you've described here and ask if there's a particular reason for laying their course so close to the sailing area that has been used by windsurfers for so long. (eg area might be the most suitable for anchoring their course marks???)

Perhaps you could explain that you don't have problem sharing the area but just not in such close quarters. Ask if it wouldn't be more sensible for everyone if they could move the course away from you guys to just give enough room.. I'd still be willing to compromise a little, ie they could move the course a over a bit, but you might still have to dodge a few boats on their windward legs.

If all else fails perhaps you could join the club, get on the committee and get arrange a dedicated area to windsurfing???

Keelboat sailors on a race think of the windsurfers as 'sailing into their fleet', causing hazards; ie they think its our responsibility to keep clear of them. If the course is marked the competitors do not feel responsibility to keep off 'their own' marked race course!

The only and obvious solution is to have a good chat with the committee of that club. Get a copy of the same chart they use, draft on it the area the windsurfers use in each wind direction, and take it along. You may find they have a course charted for each wind direction, and negotiation may result in it being tweaked.

Of course, if you just take a gang of windsurfers through at 30 kts screaming 'STARBOARD', 'WEATHER BOAT', 'WATER ON THE MARK' and the like, relations may deteriorate.

ChrisPer said...

Keelboat sailors on a race think of the windsurfers as 'sailing into their fleet', causing hazards; ie they think its our responsibility to keep clear of them.

As we have the more manouverable craft it generally is our responsibility to give them a wide berth.

If you have a windsurfing club that operates out of this body of water I would bring it up with them and use the club to then represent you and others on the water. Strength in numbers sort of thing. Otherwise some of the suggestions outline already seem like good options.

But you may need to keep in mind that it may be you that needs to move, if that isn't possible you are going to need a pretty decent arguement as to why.

easy solution Larko, quit sailing the pond and come sail the Bay!!
One major thing to keep in mind also is the big 8 knots sign in the water there. (unless it has been removed) Your 30 knots is a damn sight faster than that and that could be your ultimate undoing.
By the way Aus 301, I'm not sure we have the more manouverable craft. A dinghy can almost tack and gybe on its axis where as a sailboard takes a considerably longer time to do so as well as slow down and stop.

Challenge them to a race. Whoever loses has to pack up and leave

Anybody racing has right of way over non racers.

Mobydisc said...

There may be more space on Botany Bay but you have to share it with jetskiers and 'pleasure boats'. Add the fact its extremely crowded onshore and parking is a nightmare, makes the crappier conditions at Narrabeen almost worth it.

Nuh! Sorry
The lake is too much hard work. Clear water & clear wind at Botany
As Sick-em says "get out of the pond"