Being a good neighbor to smaller boats

One thing that becomes obvious fast when cruising on Lake Harriet in a keelboat is that we are greatly outnumbered by the day-sailors and racing scows. They are fun to watch; either when racing or in full-hike mode in a strong breeze. Because of their numbers, it’s important that we keep a constant eye open for them. I’m sure our boats look huge when sitting at water-level on a 14 foot long piece of fiberglass and foam.

Keep in mind, most of the scow skippers are racers, and will have the Right-Of-Way rules down pat, and will expect you to do the same. If you are the give-way boat, make a CLEAR indication of your intent. That will save the scow skipper from having to determine if you see him. Last Sunday, we were out in 12 knots of wind and met a MC boat while on port tack. I made a crisp maneuver to duck under him. What was interesting is that he watched us the entire time; from where he was sitting, the sharp, plumb bow of our boat coming at him at over 6 knots had his full attention.

Feeling a little rusty on the ROW rules? The Lake Harriet Yacht Club web site has a nice interactive test of the ‘When Boats Meet’ rules. Check it out here.

Another time to be careful is when the fleets are racing. You'll see the orange racing buoys and the race committee boat. They normally run a windward/leeward course, but if the wind is out of the East or the West, you might see a triangular 'olympic' course. Try and avoid crossing the course if you can, the scows are very quick, and can outrun our keelboats given the right wind and point-of-sail. The olympic course in particular is hard to avoid, as it will seem to take up most of the lake.

Being a good neighbor means helping out as well. Be proactive and offer assistance if needed. One big way to help is to offer a tow if the lake suddenly becomes becalmed. Share some of that electric wind!