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050 - Big Ships in Tight Spaces


The burdened vessel in all these waterways are the big boys; ocean going freighters are almost as common as “lakers”.  Lakers are the same sized freighter with the bridge on the bow to look around corners better, not a place for a bridge that heads into the oceans.  But to the point, I don’t know how they do navigate these waters at all, especially with the precsion required to avoid ostructions.  Between the wind, current, turns and night operations it seems no one could navigate these waters safely but here they are 24/7 (expect winter).  What could they possibly do to avoid hitting any of us?  Nothing.  Their timing must be impecible and my being in there way is not part of the equation.  It’s like a mouse dancing with elephants.  I wouldn’t recommend doing a cha-cha unless you have lots of power (I’m not going to say it again, but powerboats have far better odds here the sailboats).   Being spitting distance to these big boys is intimidating and I happily deferr to them.


Note the bridge of this “laker” is near the bow not the stern.  We’re told its to look around corners.  Not where I’d like to ride in a storm.

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