T&T: Annapolis Sailboats

[Randy Pickelmann]

Gil,
As a long time sailboat racer and race committee organizer and staffer, I can
tell you that we have always tried hard to keep our race courses located out
of recognized channels.  In fact, when we schedule a large regatta we notify
the local Coast Guard for "clearance".  Unfortunately, sailboats don't go
straight upwind and I suppose that when they are tacking back and forth, they
may cross a channel.  Having said that, when we plan races in the Gulf of
Mexico there are no channels anywhere.  You'd be amazed at how many boats,
power and sail, will cross the venue in the middle of the race.  Imagine 150
sailboats plus race committee boats with a myriad of flags, safety boats and
coach boats all over the place.  What are they thinking?
Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
hard aground in Clearwater
MORNING STAR
www.morningstar.talkspot.com