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>> My long distance cruising
>> (40,000 miles) has been restricted to a sailboat without radar but with a
>> three person crew. I think I would go the same way again unless I was
>> cruising the coastlines of Alaska or Maine or similar scenic shores where
>> radar is more of a navigation device.
>>
> Earl,
Thanks for the reply. Bev and I are a "Mom and Pop" crew. Our cruising is, I
am sure less extensive than yours. Most of it has been coastal, from Alaska to
Florida. Our longest shots have been from Anacortes Washington to Channel
Islands Harbor, (So Cal), and Salina Cruz Mexico to Bahia Salina Costa Rica.
Each was about four consecutive days. Bev and I stood watch on watch on those
legs.
Since this was coastal cruising, which I'm sure most "trawler" cruising is, we
encountered a lot of traffic and or fog and were very dependent on the radar.
It is my impression that there is very little fog in the tropics but in
Northern climes and in Southern California it is very common. To be without
radar crossing the freighter lanes in the fog takes more courage than I have.
I have been surprised at night by a poorly lit freighter as well. I was
standing watch from the radarless fly bridge of our former boat, (GB 42) when
I was suddenly illuminated by a huge spot light from the freighter. (We hold
the record for fastest U turn in a Grand Banks). I had just completed a 360
degree visual sweep prior to being in the spot light. I guess his small
running lights were lost in the lights from shore, I sure didn't see him.
Thank heavens he saw me! This was one alert freighter but I sure wouldn't
depend on the other guy's being alert or even on the bridge.
If I had had radar on the fly bridge as well as the lower helm station I would
have seen this freighter far before we were in any danger of being run down.
As it was it was a near thing.
I think that you will agree that the sea is on of the last places on earth
where we are truly solely responsible for our own safety.
Our best to you and your wife!
Dolph and Bev McCranie
The Right Whale
