Thanks to all of you who participated in our March events. We had a successful President’s Day Regatta, a fantastic Valentine’s Day meal and party that complemented our first quarterly meeting of the year. Our youth activities are beginning this month with the completion of our youth dock for our sunfish fleet. And sales of HCYC apparel are soaring, so be sure and grab your Fiesta Regatta t-shirt or whatever you need to complement your lake or shore wardrobe.

Some of you may be aware of the collision that occurred during the St. Patrick’s Day Regatta held on March 15^th. I witnessed the accident and continue to be shaken by the event that unfolded before me, at probably no more than 20 yards away. A trimaran competing in the race struck the chase boat. The occupants of our chase boat included our 2007 Rear Commodore for Sail Pam Rudolph-Walne and one of the true leaders and legends of our club, Charlie Teat. The trimaran was owned and captained by former HCYC member Paul Cunningham.

Charlie was shaken, but Pam was injured in the mishap and was taken to the hospital by Carol Teat where she received treatment for a gash in her forehead. However, she did return to celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day party with us that evening. What a trooper! Both individuals were very fortunate not to have suffered more severe injuries. Both boats had damaged hulls.

Terms such as “Give Way”, “Right of Way” and are often taken for granted. Safe boating practices are necessary for everyone’s safety and comfort. The practices we are to follow are intended to increase our safe boating experience in a positive way. As boat owners, we know boating is one of the most relaxing and exhilarating sports, but it also involves a great deal of responsibility and knowledge to assure the safety of our vessel and passengers. No one can list all of the problems and dangers involved with boat handling. The more you learn from experience, the better off you are. In my experience I believe that one of our most significant biggest problem is over-confidence combined with a lack of knowledge. A responsible skipper has the required licenses (USCG Documentation for larger vessels and Texas Parks and Wildlife licenses – “TX numbers”, for smaller boats). The vessel’s captain is familiar with the laws and safety gear requirements and should have demonstrated the use of safety gear to all occupants before departure. A throw-able device should ready at all times.

I believe that most accidents occur in and around the docks. The only way to be safe is to go slowly enough that if the wheel (or tiller) were to come off in your hand, you will be able to avoid serious damage or injury. You must learn to drift a boat. It will serve you well in many possible tight spot situations. The larger the boat, the slower you must go. Fortunately, the larger boats can “coast” much further than smaller boats. When a boat approaches a dock, be very cautious if you choose to jump off to help secure the lines while the vessel is preparing to dock in the slip. Use of a boat hook to pickup mooring lines is a much safer alternative.

Allow plenty of leeway whenever there is limited area for maneuvering. Favor the windward side of a passage, giving obstructions a wide berth. Then, if you suddenly lose control, there is increased time to think and take appropriate action. The person at the helm must be alert to hazards around him/her at all times. Plan all maneuvers with a margin for error. Above all, this reduces the opportunity for panic. One of the sailor's worst enemies is panic.

Sail/Boat defensively. Stay clear of boats with the right-of-way, Yield the right of way early enough to avoid any confusion. Communicate your intentions by making a significant course correction when yielding; don’t leave the right-of-way boat wondering what you are going to do. Always be alert, the other skipper may not be able to avoid collision or may be unaware of the danger. Learn the right-of-way rules and follow them, but remember that having the right-of-way may not be enough to avoid collision.

Flares are for emergency use only. All of our boats are required to be equipped with them. When lighting the flares, hold them over the water at all times. They drip and can even set the fiberglass afire. If flares are used improperly they can be very dangerous.

Always prepare the boat before you leave the slip. Sailboats can use their sails a source of power if the engine fails. Have the sails, sheets and halyards attached and ready for use if needed. Don’t allow halyards to go unattended or unattached. A halyard at the top of the mast without an attached sail can ruin our day! It is a prudent practice to be certain to have your engine fully warmed up before leaving the slip or mooring.

Make it a practice to have your motor running while raising and lowering sails. Remember that a sailboat under power is considered a powerboat. Different right-of-way rules apply. Always close hatches before you begin. It's no fun to step into an open hatch. Don't leave winch handles in the winch, as they fall over-board easily. If a boat is hard to steer, take the time to determine the cause and correct it before proceeding.

            All these things to look out for, and I say sailing and boating is fun? You are danged right! Come out and enjoy the water.