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==== Rat Island Race (+crossing from Whidbey through shipping lane, right of way) ====

**Reivers Dustin** \\
06/12/06 #1408

Joost & Randy (maybe others) have paddled across to P.T. from the Ferry Launch to do this race.

The crossing looks like about 3 miles. The race is about 6. Saving a buck on the Ferry fees? Priceless.

Is anyone else thinking about doing the crossing on their race boat? It might be good to paddle-pool.

RD

**Larry Goolsby** \\
06/12/06 #1409

Reivers….I'm game to do it again. Joost, Hammer and I did it last year. Easy trip over, fun race, and then the fun began on the trip back. There was a very large rip current on the trip back to Whidbey. Hammer went over and had a hell of a time remounting his boat. The trip over and back (including the race) was about 19 miles total. The currents that dragged us out to sea helped increase our mileage.\\
Larry G

**Dale McKinnon** \\
06/12/06 #1411

To all. I've rowed from Whidbey Island to PT several times. Point Wilson sees the most shipping traffic in the Puget Sound. You travel at, say, 8 knots to vector a freighter traveling at 25 knots. You want to be on the west side of a southbound freighter to ride the wake. You do the math and judge closing speed accordingly (and safely) to get a great ride! All large vessels are required by federal law to communicate with VTS so monitor VHF Ch 5a and 14 to hear what's heading in or out the Straits.\\
\\
To get accurate seas and wind reportage, go to: [[http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/NW_Straits_Sound.shtm|http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/NW_Straits_Sound.shtm]]

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**Large Vessel vs. Rower/Paddler\\
Reivers Dustin** \\
06/13/06 #1412

I've seen paddlers going hard for an intercept with large boats several times. It's true that if you want a good wake ride you've got to be very near the boat. But some of these guys must have testicles that almost sink the kayak. It just looks like lunacy.

If someone here knows about large vessel management maybe you can clarify the issue somewhat. From what I know about it, even the tremendously manuverable ferries, can't really adjust course by the time they see a paddler or rower. They pretty much have an understanding with the CG that they should try to call in a collision if they see it.

The only bit of maritime law I recall on this says "the more manuverable vessel must yield".

Peter? Simon? anybody know why these crazy guys should'nt win a darwin award? (You know, a prize for taking stupid gene's out of the gene pool.)

Great weather/wind link, and good post on vessel traffic, Dale.

RD

**Pmarcus** \\
06/13/06 #1415

Reivers,\\
The "tonnage" rule always applies…..the other boat bigger???? Anything over 65 feet, traveling in designated traffic lanes needs to check in and be monitored by VTS (Vessel Traffic System)….so if you force such a vessel off course, lets say into on-coming traffic or into shallow water there might be a "SMALL" problem….however good big waves are hard to come by and if your comfortable go for it, just don't ever cut across the bows of on coming or over taking vessels (i.e what if I fall in……) and don't forget to look behind you…Dean and I were paddling the other week and the two other "fellers" we were paddling with were oblivious to a Foss Tug coming up behind us…close enough for Dean and I to stop and let pass in front of us but the other two "fellers" keep going and the Foss Tug took a 90 degree turn and crossed in front of us and behind the other two….but not all vessels are user friendly……Common Sense…got it, use it…have fun!! Peter

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**steven wort** \\
06/14/06 #1417

Couple of things to bear in mind.

The International Col Regs are very clear about this.- [[http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/rotr_online.htm|http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/rotr_online.htm]]

Check Rule 10 for VTS directions, but basically they say STAY OUT. If you have to cross then do so perpendicularly to the direction of the channel and as quickly as possible.

The small boat charts for the area specify that crossing vessel announce themselves either on VHF Channel 14, or by calling VTS on 206-217-6040

Before getting anywhere near a large vessel you might want to know about the water dynamics around a large vessel. The first thing your going to find is that there is a large low pressure area in front of the vessel. If you get into this, your not getting out, and the next stop is the churning prop at the back L This is a real good reason NOT to cross in front. If you want to ride the bow wave, then pick it up well of to one side and don’t cross in front.

The stern wake tends to be bigger, more fun to play in, and a lot safer J

Smaller vessels such as local ferry traffic and tug boats (not towing) wont be in the VTS, and have considerably more maneuverability, but playing chicken with a ferry is a BAD idea.
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