Get real II

Posted By: Jack
Date: 2/15/06 11:44a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: I'll see your 2c & raise you 2 more (Black Grandpa Dave)

So far, been on the SOC for 7 years. Reality is, like it or not, most sailors are NOT wearing lifejackets or other similar gear. That doesn't mean it is not aboard or at hand. Those who are wearing same, do not offend me. Why are there some who must make choices for others? This cruising scene is comprised of some very independent people down here. Now we must certify their qualifications to sail? Verify that they have fire extinguishers, life raft, HF radio, etc. and all other gear that someone "decides" they SHOULD have? Then will we ascertain some means to verify that all of the above are functioning? Wow, a Mexican nanny post for the government. I heard that there is a flag (pennant) that you can fly when everything works on your boat. Unfortunately, no one has ever seen it. Just lost another boat down here on Punta Arenas last week (50 foot sailboat). Faulty radar in the night. Seems like every week some gear fails and another boat sinks or hits the rocks. The prudent skipper "should" and does put on the life jacket, reef sails, replace rigging, seize shackle pins with wire (Monel), use appropriate anchor, power down on a setting, etc., etc., etc. So whose responsibility is that? That, amigos, belongs to the skipper! It is he who is aware of his boat and conditions that warrant some action. Those who have a checklist of infinite worrisome items can feel free to fearfully checkoff each, but the fact is that there will be an unintended action by the boat or the sea. The list that West Marine puts out (or others) will not serve as a substitute for that organ between your ears. You simply cannot buy safety at a store, but many try. Wear your SOSpenders out in that Chubasco or anchor in a lee shore and see what happens. Inflate that SOSpenders (you do check it each year? inflate and deflate it, replace the cylinder?) Too much reliance on the WM advisor and not experience will not help much when all hell breaks loose. Please leave the nannyisms out of sailing.