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From: PeterO <rebyl_kayak_at_iprimus.com.au>
subject: [Paddlewise] New Hazard?
Date: Mon, 17 Jun 2002 07:34:33 +1000
Dana wrote:
>check out Cruising World GENERAL MESSAGES
>  http://old.cruisingworld.com/forums/genlmesg/index.pl?read=251616
>of sail boat owners views of kayakers

Paul wrote:
>but what rules should we be following?


G'Day

I kayak several times a week in Sydney Harbour, which has a great deal of
sailing and other traffic - Its certainly worth knowing the rules but the
most important one IMO is unwritten: - "Assume you can't be seen and plan
your course to stay out of the way!"

Some other comments: -

If the sun is behind you then its in the face of oncoming traffic!!! even
harder to see a kayak.

On windy days when sail boats are likely to be out and speeding, hugging the
shore seems to be a worthwhile option. Theres less headwind and you're out
of the way.

Its not just sailboats that can't see us. Ferries and tour boats have a real
problem too, and could be more likely to create a legislative fuss.

Travel in packs and cross shipping lanes quickly. I tend to cross from
channel marker buoy to marker buoy in the hope that boats are going to avoid
it. Doesn't apply to buoys which plot a racing course tho':~)

I find that Not crossing bays from point to point but going in to the bay
several hundred meters is helpful as it gives some chance of seeing and
avoiding a boat when it comes around a point. I'ld be interested in others
opinion's on this?

Of course you could always put a sail on your kayak its more visible that
way:~) reference http://home.iprimus.com.au/rebyl_kayak/

All the best, PeterO


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