Kayak Jack gives some advice
February 27th 2007 22:44
“Kayak” Jack Robinson has a warning for kayakers, sailors and motor boaters,
“be visible and remember the rule, keep a proper lookout”.
Kayak Jack’s sailing kayak is in two halves after an altercation with a powerful Bowrider style motor boat. Kayak was sailing on Lake Macquarie when he observed the powerboat seemingly arc towards him. He could not see the driver but saw the faces of the kids in the front seating arrangement.
Being under sail he had right of way but realised that he was not being observed himself. Kayak by this time knew he was in trouble, he stood up called a warning and at the last second threw himself away from both vessels as the power boat sliced his craft in two.
Kayak reckons if he had remained on board he probably would have lost his legs and as his vessel was overturned as well he probably would have been trapped by the sail and drowned.
The skipper of the powerboat (himself an avid surf ski paddler on the Lake) was in a state of distress and full of apology. He helped retrieve the two halves and motored Kayak back to his home.
Insurance paid for the replacement of the sailing kayak and Jack has given the wreck to a youngster who lives on the lake with his single parent mum; to rebuild as he sees fit. Hopefully the boat will take on another life in the hands of this young kid and will have a little more luck.
Remember at all times “keep a proper look out” it is our first and most important rule of the road.
“be visible and remember the rule, keep a proper lookout”.
Kayak Jack’s sailing kayak is in two halves after an altercation with a powerful Bowrider style motor boat. Kayak was sailing on Lake Macquarie when he observed the powerboat seemingly arc towards him. He could not see the driver but saw the faces of the kids in the front seating arrangement.
Being under sail he had right of way but realised that he was not being observed himself. Kayak by this time knew he was in trouble, he stood up called a warning and at the last second threw himself away from both vessels as the power boat sliced his craft in two.
Kayak reckons if he had remained on board he probably would have lost his legs and as his vessel was overturned as well he probably would have been trapped by the sail and drowned.
The skipper of the powerboat (himself an avid surf ski paddler on the Lake) was in a state of distress and full of apology. He helped retrieve the two halves and motored Kayak back to his home.
Insurance paid for the replacement of the sailing kayak and Jack has given the wreck to a youngster who lives on the lake with his single parent mum; to rebuild as he sees fit. Hopefully the boat will take on another life in the hands of this young kid and will have a little more luck.
Remember at all times “keep a proper look out” it is our first and most important rule of the road.
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