Art,
We nearly had a similar event locally a few years ago, except it was two power boats. One was a state park ranger in a 24-26 ft cabin cruiser hitting an 18-21 ft. runabout. I was there that night and gathered at the ramp with others as the boats came in. I think a cover-up was well underway but the crowd of knowledgeable boaters kept growing. The ranger was speeding after dark practicing with the boats radar without a second set of eyes. As for adding illumination with LEDs; thats an excellent idea but be mindful after a crash the only lights that will count are approved navigation lights. You also have to be careful to avoid lighting that could confuse fellow boaters. I found myself sailing out of Ensenada heading north in 2005 and when I notice a Carnival cruise liner 30° off my port bow a few miles off. The cruise liner had strings of white lights running the length of the boat that essentially obscured the running lights making it difficult to read her direction. The third time I took a rough sighting on her angle off my bow it was clear I had a ship at fixed angle and closing distance (or a collision course). Once we got down to a mile separation I made an abrupt 20° turn to starboard and the cruise liner matched my move (although not so abrupt). Because white navigation lights often blend into shore lights and bright white LEDs look like stars Im leaning more to a strobe light or a movable spot light. Of course if you get clipped by a small town Sheriff whos been drinking youre pretty much screwed if they get to contain the scene. Phil Agur <http://www.catalina27.org/public_pages/profile270.htm> s/v Wing Tip Secretary, Call Sign WCW3485 IC27/270A MMSI 366901790 <http://www.catalina27.org> www.catalina27.org Vessel Doc# 1039809 -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Art Snapper Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 6:58 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: catalina27-talk: Seaworthy Cover(-up) Story I've been following the story on S/A all summer. It truely is a travesty of justice. At least Perdock's (the powerboater) wife left him. It got me thinking about the lighting issue. I am wondering if by regulation, sailboats are under illuminated? It should be easy to improve lighting with LED's. Art
