Vessel #1 and #2 were on Lake Michigan when, according to all operators and witnesses interviewed, Vsl #2 was at sail on starboard side.  Vsl #1 attempted to cross the path of Vsl #2 while approaching head-on from Vsl #2's port to starboard side.  Vsl #2, feeling a collision was immenent made a port turn.  Vsl #1 also made a port turn to avoid collision.  At that time both operators atempted starboard turns to avoid collision but impacted.  Vsl #2's bow striking Vsl's #1 starboard rail. 
Vsl #2's Operator contacted the Coast Guard to report the accident. That night, sheriff's office interviewed both operators and witnesses via phone and photogaphed vessels the following day.

Deputy found that even though both operators had over 500 hours experience with their boats, and had boat instruction from the U.S. Power Squadron, that the cause of this accident was "inexperience" of both operators.

An addendum was added to this report on July 17 by Operator of Vessel #1 and sent to the Sheriff Office.  It was agreed to by officer and forwarded to me.  It said: During no time in this incident did Vsl #2 hail "Starboard" as would be customary when two sailboats on opposite tacks approach each other.  Also, Vsl #2 never maintained course to permit an effective alternate route for Vsl #1, the "give-way" boat.
Here is the addendum:
Vsl #1 was on port tack and Vsl #2 on starboard tack. At the time Vsl #1 saw Vsl #2, the boats were at least 1/4 mile apart.  Both boats were sailing upwind slightly at an angle of about 130 degrees to each other.  Vsl #1 altered its course to a close hauled angle (pointing into the wind as high as possible) to asure crossing in front of Vsl #2.  Had both boats maintained their headings, it is estimated that Vsl #1 would have crossed 200-250 feet in front of Vsl #2.  Whle Vsl #1 maintained this sailing angle and heading, Vsl #2 altered its course higher into the wind.  It is estimated that Vsl #2 altered its course by at least 15-20 degrees to keep clear and avoid a potential collision.  During Vessel #1's turn, Vsl #2 turned to port by about the same amount.  This resulted in both boats still on a collision course.  When the boats were about 70-100 feet apart, Vsl #1 turned aggressivey to port.  Vsl #2 turned to starboard, a collision course.  Vsl #2 continued though the starboard turn.  Vsl #1 continued turning to port until head-to-head (straight into the wind) while /vsl #2 turned to port and squarely (T-boned) into the forward section of Vsl #1.

City of St. Joseph            