What about installing winch and cleat for main sheet..... Hobie 18

Scott when are we going to start our own regatta?

(i) A sailing vessel of less than 7 meters in length shall, if practicable,...

Several decades ago I did a stint with my old company as a check airman, A authority. That was to retest & certify pilots on our jets during their annual matrix. Part of getting the A authority was to attend a course put on by the Feds from the aviation branch of Transport. One module was legalese, not what you might think a word, phrase or sentence meant, but what the lawyers would pound you with if it ever came to a board of inquiry, generally after an accident. The most commonly misunderstood weasel words are, in no particular order; should,shall, will, must, recommended, good airmanship dictates, practicable & practical.
In the reg quoted above they use the word practicable, as opposed to practical. They are two totally different words. In essence, practicable means "if physically able".
So, if forced to defend your actions after an accident,(even though said accident was caused by a powerboater running full blast WITHOUT lights)you may very well expect to be asked, "would it have been physically possible to attach some sort of light to your shrouds?"
You may answer, "well yes, but not really practical".
Bingo, you just became 50% at fault, & if you have more money than the other guy, expect them to try & find you much more at fault.
I was once required to attend a board hearing into the case of a pilot who took off from an isolated snow covered field, (in the NWT of Canada)with a full moon, in -33 weather, but non functioning runway lights. His defense was pretty good, his passengers were in danger due to the elements, & the conditions were such that any hazards could easily be seen & therefore he exhibited good airmanship & his actions were prudent.
Tough titty for the kitty... he was found to have contravened an air reg regarding the requirement for runway lights after the end of civil twilight, fined & subject to the suspension of license.
Now I'm not saying the guys on a small lake that never see a boat, or anyone else must or shall attach lights, do as you see fit. I'm just saying as in sex, protect yourself. It's all about risk management.

edited by: Edchris177, Sep 10, 2010 - 01:44 PM

Scott when are we going to start our own regatta?

Not so sure about night regattas on Lake Michigan..... Kevin, I keep my boat in Wilmette. Haven't seen a Cat regatta there yet, but lots of boats to sail around with on our beach. Where are you located?

I'm in st. john, and i trailer my boat to Gary. there is a "small sailboat only" ramp. there is also the perfect definition of this website at the dunes here. about 100 catamarans pulled up on the beach. but usually 2-3 cats out tops over a lot of water. are there any good ramps on the north side?