Are good manners too much to ask?
Mark S writes:
To the yachties who were using, or should I say abusing, the Warmies boat ramp... May you hang your heads in shame. I could not believe the way these people were acting on a particular Sunday afternoon. Abusing other boat (power) owners because
they felt that "my boat is made of wood so I should have the right of way", even though they weren't next in line to retrieve their boats.
      The icing on the cake was when one of the yachties hurled a barage of abuse at a poor young couple retrieving their boat. Why? Because they were taking "too f@#$%ng long". When the young lady exclaimed that this was the first time that they had taken the boat out, this seemed to open the flood gates.
      The abuse was flying thick and fast in language that really confirmed what I thought of YACHTIES. Nothing but brain dead vermon. The type of animal whose lift doesn't go all the way to the top floor, if you know what I mean. Is it because they feel that using glorified pieces of fire wood as a means of floating on the water means that they can control the boat ramps of the bay? I THINK NOT.
(21 June 2001)

Mick Thomas replies:
I am in agreement with Mark, yachties seem to think because they have right of way when under sail they then have right of way where ever they are.
(2 July 2001)

Capt Mark Snowden replies:
Yachties do not have right of way all the time, nor do power boats.
Look up www.amsa.gov.au/sd/mo/MO_main/mo30.pdf, it will take you right there. But on the ramp, yes I can see what you mean. But not all yachties are brain dead. Come to think of it, I have seen many power boat people who are brain dead as well. But I do know what you mean, and you said it very well.
(20 July 2001)

David Grimshaw replies:
Re Yachties at the Warmies Ramp. I was down there a month ago and also witnessed a yachtie taking an eternity to derig his boat on the ramp. Showed utter contempt for everyone else. They could certainly do with a course in ramp etiquette! Cheers.
(23 July 2001)

Carmine Laghi replies:
In response to boat ramp manners at the warmies. I realise this discussion is a few months old, but the issue is one which requires ongoing attention. I have only recently become a boat owner and I was fortunate to meet some very kind and patient anglers on my first few visits to the ramp, who shared some simple and helpful tips and even lent a hand. We all had to learn sometime, and there will be things we are still to learn. let's hope that what one gives out is what one gets back.
      I work in the disability field and am continuously astounded at the lack of patience and goodwill some people demonstrate toward each other. For those impatient and intollerant ramp users out there, just remember it could be any one of us tomorrow needing assistance, perhaps due to illness or injury. And if we avoid all these hazards in life, we are all going to get old. Now, when this happens what sort of tolerance and attitude would you like the people supporting you to have?
(30 October 2001)


If you have any comments or questions, use our contributor's form and be in the running for some great monthly prizes.


BACK TO THE SHAME FILE...