The joy of being on the water comes with conditions that differ for everyone. For example, going as fast as possible and overtaking everything that sails. Or nonchalantly dragging a line while daydreaming at the helm of a good old Baroudeur. Not to mention the picnic plan at anchor, which is won with the engine supported by a half unfurled genoa. To each his own pleasures.
So just imagine if, like me this summer, you were to come in under spinnaker, full astern wind, starboard tack, aboard a newly acquired old regatta boat. And there, on your starboard side, you spot from afar a candidate for collision who is sailing on port tack without showing the slightest intention of changing course. What can you do about it?
Sail on port tack approach
Since he's still a long way off, you figure he's going to react eventually. And then as he gets closer, you begin to assess the possibilities. The spinnaker, worn out by 20 years of sailing school in regattas, is as hollow as your great-grandmother's nightgown. So it's going to be difficult to luff much. You still try to do it by tacking everything that can be tacked, going up and down the tack, but no: it deflates inexorably.
After all, it's not up to you to divert...
The annoyance, now a few hundred yards away, seems to be totally unaware of the helming rules. Or is he bluffing? Intimidation? We see it regularly on the starting lines in regattas.
If this is the case, it will be necessary to shout "starboard" with authority as soon as it is within earshot.
On the other hand, once you're within earshot, it will be too late to gybe. In the event that this emm... does not take adequate measures, shock will be inevitable.
At the same time you tell yourself you're within your rights. On top of that, you had to go through it 3 times to send this spinnaker because it was badly folded, then the listening was bad, in short... now that everything is in place, you want to take advantage of it!
Just a few more lengths...
This time there are only a few boat lengths left between you. The opposing crewmembers are watching you with curiosity. Apparently they don't share your questions at all. They're just walking around, that's all. Just what? Is something wrong?
With the spinnaker sheet in hand you prepare to luff in a hurry. Will pass? Won't pass?
The intruder's blue hull is scrolling under your bow. You count the centimetres that separate you from the catastrophe. It should normally pass. Your helmsman's a little worried. He trusts you, but still!
It's coming through!
Oh, no, you don't. Not quite.
The skipper of the opposing yacht rushes to his transom. He forgot he was dragging a fishing line behind him. You can't suppress a little vengeful smile. Just as long as your keel's a bite to eat.
Not even!
The fishing line comes back to your back, untouched. That's too bad. By the way, it's getting late. You lower the spinnaker and turn around and head for the harbour.
To give you an opinion on this story, you can take a look at the rules of the helm and the rules of the road it can be useful ;-)
