Seamanship

[skier842]

While sailing with friends on Chesapeake Bay on their 42 ft. Catalina we were under sail and off our starboard side we noticed a 38-40 ft cabin cruiser under  full head of steam coming directly for us. We could see a kid at the helm and he wasn't making any course change. I jumped up to get his attention  but to no avail. It was getting closer and we couldn't do much under sail but get ready to jump overboard as we were going to get broadsided. Fortunately a man got to the helm and turned just in time passing to our stern by about 40-50 ft.  The gals gave him the one finger salute.

Thinking back to what I should have done is: 1. Blow the air horn (it was down in the cabin probably to late to get) so now I'll keep one at the helm.
2. turn to port to make a smaller target.
3. quickly move the crew forward out from under the dodger and cockpit cover to allow jumping clear in any direction should the power boat run over us. There were other sail boats nearby to assist if needed.

Question, What would you recommend if this happened to you?

George

[BlameItOnBuffett]

Yoour after thoughts are a very good list. That is what I would have done.

[SV THIRD DAY]

I hate to say it...but we assume every power boat that we see has no idea of the rules of the road or proper seamanship!

That assumption gives us an edge to get out of their way when under sail or even while powering.

But we have also almost been struck at sea by a sailboat at night with no one in the cockpit and actually HIT by another sailboat at anchor in La Paz.

Just because people go to sea, doesn't mean they know what they are doing.......

[gazuum]

I hate to say it...but we assume every power boat that we see has no idea of the rules of the road or proper seamanship!

That assumption gives us an edge to get out of their way when under sail or even while powering.

But we have also almost been struck at sea by a sailboat at night with no one in the cockpit and actually HIT by another sailboat at anchor in La Paz.

Just because people go to sea, doesn't mean they know what they are doing.......

  Uh, how fast was that anchored sailboat going when it hit you? 

[Trinity]

Hit by an anchored sailboat...is that like being stung by a dead bee?

We were hit by a gondola in Coranado, are we up for a poll:
What is the most interesting thing you've been hit by?  Hehe.

Seriously, George is correct keep that noisemaker, or two, in the cockpit.  The handheld VHF or RAM as well.
I've been sailing for 20 years, and am currently skipper of a 90' power....there are clueless mariners on both sides of the aisle.

Fair seas,
Marc