Rob:

Thanks for posting this. I copied it an posted it on Chesapeak Light Craft's Builders Forum. Many novices frequent that board.

Steve C

: Tragically two young women died on Cape Cod last Sunday paddling off Cape
: Cod.

: This feels very personal to me as I was in the same area with freinds last
: weekend
: when this event happened.

: That Sunday there was a storm centered on Nantucket with heavy winds and
: rain.
: I was with a large group and I and my wife elected to pass on paddling that
: day because
: I monitored my weather radio which warned of a small craft advisory with
: heavy rains.

: The rest of my group when on out with the idea of paddling on the sheltered
: waters of
: Pleasent Bay, north of Chatham. I later found out my group decided not to
: paddle.

: From what I've learned the two young women paddled out from Harwichport in
: Keewees.
: Why they thought this was a good idea is a mystery.

: They started out with two strikes against them. First, they when out in storm
: conditions, and
: second they paddled out into unprotected waters.

: These two strikes indicate their third strike. They didn't understand the
: danger.

: This tragic event only reinforces my determination to butt-in and give advise
: to people
: I don't know, who may not seek my advise, to err on the side of caution.

: I'd rather someone think me a jerk, and think twice about what they are
: doing.

: Novices please take heed. Have fear and respect for open waters and ever
: changing weather conditions.

: Please, don't be afraid to ask friends or strangers if they have considered
: the dangers you see and respect.

: Once we leave the shore we can only rely on our best judgement and the
: help/advise of other paddlers.

: This is so sad. I may have passed them on the road.

: All the best,
: Rob Macks