Re: Freighters and Sailors

["Tim Wittstock" <twittstock@midwesthealthplan.com>]

Love Vic's analogy of tankers and small boats, and I live it on a regular
basis sailing in lower Lake Huron.

The point was abundantly clear a couple weeks ago as 75 sail boats raced
down the St. Clair River in the shipping channel. Although I have done this
race for many years I have never really enjoyed it, because there are always
times when you have no control where you are going, literally drifting with
the current with no wind in your sails, like businesses at some points in
time. You try to work out of those situations quickly, point your boat in
the right direction and continue on course. Unfortunately, you have these
750-1000 foot freighters trying to occupy the same space in a narrow
channel. 

This past race I was caught in one of those situations, where
questions and answers had to made to stay in the race, we had a variety of
options. Can we beat him across the channel with our existing speed, drift,
momentum, can we tack away, will the engine start if we need it, at least he
does give you a warning, 6 long blasts on his horn! I went with the engine
option, it started, we crossed in front of him out of harms way. But you
constantly hear 6 long blasts throughout the race down the 10 miles of the
race course. From the freighter perspective, does he slow down, lose time,
watch the radar, have to be more vigilant...? He has very few options, its
stay in the channel or run aground! We finished 3rd in the race, so a flag
made it worth it.

Now the Night Race 8/21, you are sailing into the channel in the dark of
night! Is that a freighter light or a light from the chemical plant, is that
a fishing boat, sailboat, or freighter coming at us? I have no helm and we
are drifting..... 

Tim Wittstock

[Moderator's Note:  I have no help and we are drifting..."  

Interesting reference, Tim. 

For those that do not sail:  A sail boat is steered via a rudder like a power boat,
but without motion, the rudder is useless - no steerage - "no helm"   I cannot help
but wonder how many organizations are 'without helm and drifting' in a channel full
of jugernauts.]