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From: (no name) (no email)
Date: Tue Sep 06 2005 - 07:17:24 EDT
In a message dated 8/18/2005 6:19:08 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
writes:
I also suspect it is a regional saying which is a big mistake to make
in a big world.
I have never heard of any exceptions to this rule and I suspect it is
universal that the right arm is strongest.
The basis of the rules seem to be that "righty it mighty" and the right hand
is primary.
That is why the steering board (starboard) is the right side of the boat.
Steering with a steering oar makes you sit on the right side of the boat so you
can grasp the steering oar with your right hand. That is why approaching
vessels have the right of way on that side, because you are sitting on the right
side of the boat, and may be turned naturally in that direction and can see
them most easily approaching than from any other direction.
You can also turn the boat most easily in that direction by pulling on the
steering oar, you have more strength than pushing. So you sit on the right,
spot approaching vessels on the right, and turn to the right.
When signaling to the approaching vessel, since right is might, that
direction also gets the one blast signal, the primary signal. The secondary
direction, to the left, gets the secondary signal, two blasts.
In Inland rules the one blast signal, (or "one whistle" over the radio) means
you intend to pass the oncoming vessel as if you would turn to the right.
You might not actually turn, but if you were to, that would be the direction.
Of course, two whistles, means the same, but to the left.
In Offshore rules, if you give the signal, you must make the turn, but the
same "righty is mighty" applies.
I question that it is different anywhere else, at least since that French
ship blew up much of Halifax during WW1 because the Halifax pilots had their own
set of rules.
Norm
S/V Bandersnatch
Lying Boothbay ME
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