(man, I feel like I'm spending a lot of time explaining collisions lately! )
the LW was drifting slightly. I tried to sail around her in the light winds
and couldn't, so i spun around to get behind her. I forget exactly what
happened, but i got pinched somewhat between the LW and other sailboat - i
had to tack to avoid the LW, which put me right in the way of the other
boat, who proceeded to lightly t-bone me right at the chainplate.
yeah, technically I had right of way and he should have given me more room,
but this one was at least partly my fault because I tacked unexpectedly. It
made me very cranky not because of the damage, but because I try hard to
have good seamanship and i was obviously lacking.
Damage: scratched his gelcoat, bent my chainplate.
it was the very next time out that I rammed the Olson 30. That was clearly
his fault, though if my lookout had communicated with me the situation
better I could have avoided it.
but i haven't hit anyone since.
I'm heading the Flathead Lake again on saturday. I should have the new
cruising chute by then too. I can't wait to play with it.