RedactedNarrative: On Monday, June 1st, 2020, at approximately 1217 hours, I received a call from dispatch regarding a boating accident that involved two sailing vessels that occurred the day before on Sunday, May 31st, 2020, at approximately 1630 hours. There were no injuries involved in the accident. Property damage to both vessels was substantial. I made contact with OPERATOR 1, the owner of Vessel #1. We arranged to meet at Herrington Harbor North where both vessels were located and both hail from. 
  
  Vessel 1 Documented Vessel: #941416, Year: 1988, Make: Island Packet, Model: Vessel #1 310, Length: 31', HIN: TDL31242E888
  
  Vessel 2 Documented Vessel: #1192934, Year: 2007, Make: GeminiVessel #2 Catamarans, Model: Gemini 105 MC, Length: 33'6", HIN: PCI00961J607
  
  The vessels were under sail in Herring Bay when the accident occurred at 1630 hours on Sunday, May 31st, 2020. Winds were northwest at approximately 10-15 knots with choppy water conditions. Vessel #1 was on a starboard tack at about 4 knots, headed southwest, with the jib sail blocking view of other traffic in that given direction. The 2 POB aboard vessel #1 were not wearing PFDs, but did have them in possession. Vessel #2 was on a port tack at about 6 knots headed west. The 2 POB aboard vessel #2 were not wearing PFDs, but did have them in possession. At about 100 feet before impact, OPERATOR 1 noticed Vessel #2 approaching. OPERATOR 1 immediately turned sharply to port, but was unable to avoid the collision. OPERATOR 2 stated that he did not see anybody in the area and had been on the lookout for vessels numerous times before the impact. OPERATOR 2 advised by the time he realized that Vessel #1 was headed toward him, he had no time to react. OPERATOR 1 estimated the damage to his vessel to be around $3,000. OPERATOR 2 estimated the damage to his vessel to be upwards of $20,000. They have contacted their insurance agents to get estimates completed.
  
  After obtaining written statements from both vessel owners and documenting the damages done to both vessels, it appears they collided due to their visibility being blocked by the sails of their respective vessels. Both operators have a vast knowledge of boating and handling skills. As a result of failing to have a proper lockout during navigation, I issued both operators a warning for, 08.18.01.04A, Failure to Obey Navigation Rules (Rule 5:  Maintaining a proper lookout). Both operators were cooperative. I explained to both parties that regardless of the situation, they need to confirm that somebody is keeping a lookout in areas that may be considered a blind spot.
  
  All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, MD.
  