GL: Buddy boats

[Randy Pickelmann]

Rich,

You and I agree on this one completely.  My post was really pointed at the
newbies in the group.  Someone wanted to find a buddy boat to cross Lake
Ontario and that got me to thinking about the whole concept again.  I've read,
I think in Skipper Bob's book, "Bahamas Bound", about people getting to Lake
Worth and doing a general broadcast on the VHF looking for someone to buddy
boat, going to West End.  Frankly, that idea scares the hell out of me!  It's
heartache looking for a place to happen. Bob used to like the idea of buddy
boats and this is one of the few things I disagree on with him.

A yacht club friend of mine was crossing to West End with a mutual friend as
his buddy boat.  About five miles out of West End, friend #2 had a problem
with his dinghy coming loose from its mount on the swim platform.  Both boats
were sundeck-style trawlers...very high sided stern sections.  #1 turned back
and stood by while #2 climbed down onto the swim platform and tended to his
problem.  The seas were rough and #1 was extremely concerned that he was going
to have to rescue #2.  Fortunately it all worked out this time.

Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
hard aground in Clearwater
MORNING STAR
lying in Chestertown, MD
www.morningstar.talkspot.com