Hate to be this guy

[RABBITFISH]

WTF???????????
I have got to be reading this wrong, is this one of those believe it or not stories? There is no way that the sailboat could be at fault for the incident.

[parishht]

It is not a believe it or not story, it is from Boat U.S.
They sent an e-mail to every member to read teh story and to keep abreast of what happens.

[RABBITFISH]

Boy something sure smells fishy with that one!!!

[swampbilly 1980]

A wind driven vessel ALWAYS has the right of way, day or night which is even more confusing in this situation. This guy can remember the lights being "off" on the sailboat ,but cannot remember how he got home that night


smelly, smelly, smelly, .....another case of police corruption.

[parishht]

Carefull Swamp, there are a lot of policemen and EX on the board,
but I think they will agree with you on this one.

[spareparts]

if that sail boat was under power, and is classified the same as a power boat, even if he had his sails up, as long as teh aux mototr was running he's a power boat. However, I don't think he was at fault for anything other than being at the helm while under the influence. Funny thing to consider, if it had been a car collision, the "car" that hit from behind is allways at fault, so the speed boat would have been to blame. It does indeed sound like a cover up, it seems that maritine law has been thrown out the window, can't belive the Coats Guard or local marintine authorities haven't taken over the investigation.

[swampbilly 1980]

I certainly mean no disrespect to anyone who is a public servant/ actively or retired. Maybe I should have worded it "individual corruption within the dept.". I have several friends who are Game Wardens, State Trooper, and Virginia Marine Patrol. There are... unfortunately individuals who manage to get into an authoritive position and once the badge is pinned on, cannot use the authority granted to them with integrity. It is even more aggravating that this mannerism affects and taints a good law enforcement agency that otherwise functioned as a great department. This comes from the horses' mouth. I considered a position at one time with VMRC but, it was a second shift position and I was a single parent. Again, no disrespect to anyone

[swampbilly 1980]

Originally Posted by spareparts

if that sail boat was under power, and is classified the same as a power boat, even if he had his sails up, as long as teh aux mototr was running he's a power boat. However, I don't think he was at fault for anything other than being at the helm while under the influence. Funny thing to consider, if it had been a car collision, the "car" that hit from behind is allways at fault, so the speed boat would have been to blame. It does indeed sound like a cover up, it seems that maritine law has been thrown out the window, can't belive the Coats Guard or local marintine authorities haven't taken over the investigation.

I agree spareparts, under power changes things. Motor off, sails up..he is the burdened on vessel.