Tough - I think

Originally posted by Hector RE Original post  - it's just tough. But would I ask them politely to think about not spoiling my race? I probably wouldn't if same class but might if theyre in a faster boat - especially something with a big wind shadow like say a 5K. Several poor rule interpretations here - some corrected but some not - for instance - isnt Proper Course the course you would sail in absence of other boats? So potentially, it isnt even 'legal' to consider the turning boat as suggested. I've sailed against GRF loads of times - he is a bit loud sometimes, but not in an intimidating manner. His rule knowledge and observance is way above average. Some here are so easy to wind up. They become parsimonious when GRF does his 'thing' and as usual, exaggerates for effect. Even when he retracts  saying it was a joke - levity even, and says the 'hail' could be conversational you still keep coming back.  Report him for calling someone a stuffed shirt? Talk about defining the phrase!  When Sargesail describes a hail that strictly isn't 'allowed' hardly a murmur was said about it - and certainly no condemnation. If you're gonna be stuffy at least be consistently stuffy. Most good sailors do what he describes to some degree or another. Its common sense to hail to warn of your presence, to appeal for fair sailing / consideration, even perhaps to help the non ROW boat to keep clear. I agree deliberately false hails are totally detestable. The fact is unnoficial hails are an important part of the game - shouting 'starboard', 'water',  'windward', 'don't go in there', 'keep going / cross (me)' and others isn't intimidation, on the contrary, it's often a courtesy and helps avoid collisions. If the rules say that something that's likely to reduce collisions and potentially damage or injury is intimidation or somehow unfair sailing, then the rules are an ass. (If that were possible ). Let's not list how 'qualified' we are to comment - if we did that, only Sten would be allowed to say anything!

 

Word. Yup x 9.  Thank you Hector.

 

Originally posted by Hector Let's not list how 'qualified' we are to comment - if we did that, only Sten would be allowed to say anything!

I think you would be very surprised if you knew how much experience some of the people on this forum have.

eg I know that one person who has contributed to this thread is a youth european champion from 2001.

GRF,

Where do you sail? 

Originally posted by G.R.F And you wonder why you have problems encouraging folk to race. With that stuffed shirt attitude. Jeffers you represent exactly what's wrong with dinghy sailing. This my friend is the year 2008, that thinking might be fine in 1958. We do this in our leisure. It is supposed above all to be fun. The rules and their interpretation at Club level, are ultimately at the discretion of any Club Committe, Race Officer or Protest committee. This aint a National or European Championship we're talking about here. God Damn I so now remember why I avoided sailing with stuffed shirts all these years. "No place for levity here, this is the rules thread." Get a Life.

Yawns....can i really be bothered to defend myself against the minority here....

*looks at watch....well I have 2 hours before I finish work and currently have nothing else to do so why not.....

GRF,

I think that perhaps before you go round knocking other peoples views and telling them that they are what is wrong with sailing that you adjust your own attitude. Were I to visit a sailing club and see the likes of you hollering at everyone I would just turn round and walk away (and I do wonder just how many have).

For those people who know me (and who know of me, I know there are a few lurking round here). They would (I hope) tell you that I am a very active member of my local club who is active involved in instructing from a complete novice through to advanced racing. I will admit that when I race I am competitive and I do sail by the rules. I also cut a lot of slack to the 'novice' racers often chatting to them afterwards and letting them know what they perhaps should have done as opposed to what they did. If someone has been racing at club level for a couple of seasons I would hope that they have a pretty good understanding of the RRS and as such should know better. 9 times out of 10 if there is an incident on the water with someone like this it is sorted out with a friendly chat afterwards, as long as both parties agree and the 'offender' learns then there really is no issue.

I do not think that this is in any way a draconian attitude to take.

Perhaps you should take a lond hard look in the mirror before you go attacking other peoples attitudes. From someone who, by his own admission, shouts at people when he knows he is in the wrong, who does not really have a clue of the current set of RRS contains and who had not heard of the RYA Racing Charter (which I would say a good percentage of UK sailing clubs have signed up to) having the gall to say I am what is wrong with modern dinghy racing....

I have competed in numerous open meetings, nationals and inland championships and it does surprise me the number of people who will go out and sail in these events without having at least given the rule book a quick glance. I am by no means saying they should not come out and take part but, and this is the same for any sport, if you are going to take part you should have an understanding of the rules that govern it. They are there to ensure fair play for the most part.

I think that will do on this topic from my point of view.

Just one last point GRF. I do accept that you are entitles to your own point of view as I am to my own point of view. Should you decide to attack me personally again I will be reporting you to the forum moderator.

As always just my 2p....

Originally posted by NeilP I'm for the stuffed shirts all the way That's me done. Neil

Which is precisely why you are an endangered species.