The fact that the catamarans can now maintain their course makes it more predictable for everyone involved and avoids "unclear sailing situations", explains catamaran managing director Christoph Witte, who at the same time assures: "Our captains will of course continue to sail carefully and considerately."
In future, catamarans will be allowed to set the "green ball", the right-of-way sign on the lake, along the entire route. Previously, right of way was only given on the approach and within the harbours of Constance and Friedrichshafen. "It is now clearly recognisable for all water sports enthusiasts that the catamaran now has priority along the entire route," writes the lower water authority in its explanatory statement. This contributes to clarity and increases the safety and ease of shipping traffic.
"It is important for us to emphasise that the already good and cooperative partnership between catamaran shipping, fishing and leisure users on the lake will not be affected by the new permit," explains Catamaran Managing Director Christoph Witte. Safety and consideration always take priority for the catamaran ferry operators, and this will be no different with the "Green Ball". However, the water authority's decision enables a clearly defined and reliable sailing corridor and therefore greater predictability of the course. The new right-of-way regulation is initially valid for ten years and includes a test phase of three years. An exception is made for professional fishermen. Under certain conditions, catamarans will still have to keep well out of the way.
The revision of the safety requirements for the operation of the ferry service between Constance and Friedrichshafen has been long awaited in the wake of a serious accident on Lake Constance. In August 2016, there was a devastating accident between the catamaran ferry "Constanze" and the sailing yacht of a married sailing couple from Constance. The hull of the ten-metre Faurby 330 yacht was literally ripped open in the violent collision. The ship sank in just a few minutes. The owners were very lucky to have survived the accident unscathed. YACHT online reported on the accident at the time.
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Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
