R Armstrong
SailorSnort
Last weekend I slammed my Laser into another essentially brand new laser, and feel terrible. However, I still haven't decided whether I was right or wrong.
I was on a Starboard tack in 20 knots of wind pointing as high as I could. The other board was on an equal port tack. As we were approaching, it was apparent we were going to collide with me hitting the forward quarter of his starboard side. I had the right-of-way so held my course waiting for him to adjust.
When it became apparent to me that he was not going to make a move to avoid collision, I came off to pass astern of his boat at the last possible moment. Unfortunately, he simultaneously started a tack turn, slowing/stopping his boat and taking away any turning room I had behind him. I connected with the aft quarter starboard side of his boat with a mighty "crack".
After taking the boats back to the beach, he told me I should have held my course as he was tacking to avoid collision. I'm a fairly new sailor and I'm wondering if this is simply a matter of confidence. My perception of the last moment to avoid collision may be much earlier than his.
So...was I right or wrong to try to cut behind him, given I had right of way?
Thanks for your opinions....it will go a long way to a) restore my confidence, and/or b) allow me to learn something from this.
I was on a Starboard tack in 20 knots of wind pointing as high as I could. The other board was on an equal port tack. As we were approaching, it was apparent we were going to collide with me hitting the forward quarter of his starboard side. I had the right-of-way so held my course waiting for him to adjust.
When it became apparent to me that he was not going to make a move to avoid collision, I came off to pass astern of his boat at the last possible moment. Unfortunately, he simultaneously started a tack turn, slowing/stopping his boat and taking away any turning room I had behind him. I connected with the aft quarter starboard side of his boat with a mighty "crack".
After taking the boats back to the beach, he told me I should have held my course as he was tacking to avoid collision. I'm a fairly new sailor and I'm wondering if this is simply a matter of confidence. My perception of the last moment to avoid collision may be much earlier than his.
So...was I right or wrong to try to cut behind him, given I had right of way?
Thanks for your opinions....it will go a long way to a) restore my confidence, and/or b) allow me to learn something from this.