Tanker versus Racing Yacht at Cowes...VIDEO

[Gulliver]

Collision caught on VIDEO!

(From Countryman & McDaniel’s Daily Law Reports site): LINK
　
　
33-ft yacht Atlanta of Chester collided with 123,581-dwt UK-flagged tanker Hanne Knutsen (IMO 9190638, built 2000) off Egypt Point, Isle of Wight, on Aug 6. Two people were thrown overboard by the collison, and the yacht lost its mast and rigging. Both people were rescued and given medical attention; the tanker continued to its destination at Fawley while the yacht was towed to the UKSA berths at Cowes. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch and the MCA Duty Surveyor were informed of the incident. [From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 9-8-11]
　

[Paul Oliver]

I Have to agree with you keith, the racing yachtsman are a law unto themselves. I have worked as a Ferry Master on Sydney Harbour for many years and they are unbelievably selfish with a complete disregard of the rules or their own safety. I have had a lot of close calls over the years and I don't know how there aren't more accidents.
In a court case in the '90's it was reveiled that racing yachtsman thought it fair game to 'force' their competitors into the path of the Manly Ferry (70 metres long) to gain the edge when they had to take evasive action!
On the other side of the coin I have had many pleasant experiences with yachtsman who have tried to keep out of our way and avoid close quarters situations or give us a wave if we are able to keep out of there way.Generally these exceptions are not racing yachts.