NavList:
A Community Devoted to the Preservation and Practice of Celestial Navigation and Other Methods of Traditional Wayfinding
Re: The perils of going to sea relying on a minimum of modern electronics
From: Francis Upchurch
Date: 2017 Mar 3, 22:16 -0000
From: Francis Upchurch
Date: 2017 Mar 3, 22:16 -0000
13 years ago, I was sailing to Scillies in clear weather, then sudden, non forecast fog descended, visibility down to 50m. No AIS, but big radar reflector and radar on. Scillonian ferry and later 2 ocean going fishing boats narrowly missed me, and I had to dodge out of their way.(they were not for turning). Only explanation to me, these "professional fully equipped ships" were not looking at their radar in thick fog and ploughed on regardless. I later checked with a friendly fisherman who could see me on his basic radar from 20 miles. Moral from this. People, not equipment tend to make the mistakes. Francis (still sailing, just about, despite several near misses.)
