Bad Manners

[Ray]

Just had 3 days out and about and as usual on the broads nearly everything was well mannered with happy people enjoying themselves. Waving, smiling and giving way with good natured thank yous and occasionally sorrys as appropriate.

I say nearly, as twice we were surprised by some less than polite behaviour from unexpected sources. In the first case we were legitimately overtaken by a private boat who then turned to port only to discover their way blocked by a temporary closure to their route. They then crossed back into the starboard channel right in front of us. When I say right in front I mean our bow was within spitting distance of their stern. They had reduced speed to make their manoeuvre and not increased it when rejoining hence it seemed appropriate to simply pass him, which I did without changing my speed or breaking the limit in force which was 4mph on this stretch. As I passed the helm was having a fit and holding up 4 fingers to indicate the speed limit. My gps speedo is as accurate as any but I accept his may have differed but given his previous movements I was only expecting to exchange a wave not misplaced abuse!

The next day we were gradually coming up on a yacht, although I don't sail I love them for their graceful, quiet beauty and always give way and respect their requirements and pass to their stern unless they direct me otherwise. They were keeping to the starboard bank and appeared to be running along nicely and I was happy to sit back and wait until they needed or wanted to change tack. I know nothing about the technicalities but when he turned hard to port and gave me no signal throughout I thought it was safe to assume he was tacking and it would be a good time to pass behind him and increased speed slightly. His manoeuvre turned out to be a complete 360 degree circle and it was tightly done so within seconds he was bearing down on me. If I stopped he woud have hit me, if I had gone hard to port I would have hit him, all I could do was go full throttle as close to the starboard bank as I dare. I don't have years of experience but I made my best call and it worked, it was very close and we both had a scare. I looked at the helm to make eye contact and he was screaming abuse at me! Given that he made a very unusual move and didn't direct me although aware of me at the very least I didn't deserve that!

I'm usually pretty thick skinned but I confess to have these events on consecutive days made me wonder if I really did commit some unknown navigation sin?

[NorfolkNog]

Sorry to hear this Ray. A yottie once advised me to hug the starboard bank unless signalled otherwise. We are not mind readers. We encountered similar at the Beauchamp - no signal, what can you do? 

[dnks34]

How long have you been visiting the broads?! 

This sort of behaviour is quite common, give as good as you get is my motto!! 

[Ray]

There was a long break between our last hire holiday and retiring here and buying our own boat last year lol You're right of course, I guess I wasn't prepared 

[Liberty]

That's horrible Ray, and is unfortunately not unheard of.  The best thing I can say to myself when it happens is "there's a***h***s everywhere, and they are not going to ruin my day."

That said, a good dose of stinky diesel exhaust fumes in their direction goes a long way to making me feel better.

[johnb]

We were on our boat this week for the first time this year-the first thing I remembered that boating (mine or others) is not an exact science!! (Although I do try to be considerate when messing up)

[JennyMorgan]

It is recommended that boaters make use of hand-signals. There are times when I excecute this one with great feeling and satisfaction! Probably doesn't help but it allows me to let off steam! 

[Ray]

I like that one too 

[ScrumpyCheddar]

Ray you need to add a few optional extras to the boat next time.. like I did...

Fit these and your problems are sorted...  once engaged and used...

Your feel better ... and there gone...  ... 

Oh then the two finger salute as you go by....

[Ray]

Available at all good chandlers? 

[dnks34]

Ive always wanted a water cannon, like the ones foreign riot police use!

[Ray]

I'm getting into this now, how about torpedo tubes like the MTBs in WW2? 

[JennyMorgan]

21 minutes ago, Ray said:

I'm getting into this now, how about torpedo tubes like the MTBs in WW2? 

Torpedo tubes are not unknown on The Broads!!

[Ray]

I'll take her! 

[ChrisB]

My method was to stay behind a while and then shout to the helm

" Could you please make your intentions known"

[Ray]

That's a good straight forward way of dealing with it Chris, I'll remember that.

[Chelsea14Ian]

Sadly it happens,sometimes it's a case of inexperience.Some as has been said just bad manners. A few year ago coming back from Norwich  three idiots in a unstale looking row boat going down the middle of the river.I slowed  down and tryed to overtake they blocked my way,I did so in the end.Often a case of to much to drink not worried how they act.

[JennyMorgan]

By now, Ray, I suspect you realise that such events should not be taken too seriously! 

Good to see that MTB 102 has stowed her unused fend-offs, an example to us all!!

[Ray]

Yes indeed, thanks everyone I feel better for your replies. Dare I say I'm back on an even keel! 

[Timbo]

There was alway's Uncle Albert's approach Ray. Uncle Albert was my dad. Ex RN and ex Humber Keelman. In the case of yachts (pronounced yaCHt's by Uncle Albert, anything smaller was a dingy as in 'dark and' to Uncle Albert), he'd instruct us to hug the bank to starboard. Once within range of Uncle Albert's best Petty Officer's bellow, and if no signal had been given to us, Uncle Albert would bellow out 'Oi prat features! What's holding your ears apart? Give us a clue?'. Any resulting verbal match was usually quickly over by means of Uncle Albert's dockyard vocabulary and his abilities as a sign language instructor.

Now 'Stalham Chicken's' (Uncle Albert's term for both privateers and hirers who travelled too fast with no concern for others, sorry Clive,...erm how best to translate this...hmm...Uncle Albert said they were all 'a name for a male bird' and toenails) would get one of Uncle Albert's special winks and grins. He could put just as much expression into a wink and grin as he could into a 'good cussin'. Someone on the receiving end of a special wink and grin would suddenly slow their speed. It was if the silly old bloke in the sailor hat knew something that they didn't and you just knew it would result in a chat with either a copper, the bank manager, your Mrs, her mother or all of them.

[Ray]

Brilliant.. I would have liked to buy Uncle Albert / Your Dad a pint (or a tot)