Wednesday, 8/24, Winds were light (6-10Kts). Red, Mike and I (Grant) in my Ericson 27 (6 K lbs) came very close to a collision with Kerry’s Catalina 38 (12 K lbs). If it were not for Kerry’s quick thinking at the helm… it could have been a real mess.Both boats were going to weather at the base of Broad Slough. Red was at the helm, I was on the sheets, and Mike was giving orders and complaining about his personal pain issues. The 38 was to weather on our starboard and closing fast as we were prepared to go to a port tack. Mike shouted “Don’t tack” and Red having only heard the word “tack” put the helm to lee putting us into the path of the 38. I froze at the sight of the impending collision with the sheet line still in my hand. I remember thinking that Red would come back to our original course to avoid a disaster. But the sail had already back winded and the E27 continued into harms way. Meanwhile, Kerry quickly turned his 38 into the wind and put both boats beam to beam. Inches from contact, he warned his crew to stay clear amid yells from us to “Fend Off.” I finally released the sheet – but it was all over. “Wew, I kept telling you to let go of the sheet!” Mike said. “What’s wrong with you guys? You two must be in your own little worlds!” Funny, those were the only words I heard after “Don’t tack.”

Lesson learned?  As crew, it’s important keep the whole sailing picture in mind even though you may be only doing a part.