River is big enough for all kinds of boats

IN response to Keith Nolan’s letter headlined ‘High-powered river racers are a threat to leisurely sailors’ (Irish Examiner, May 8), I do not agree with his views on so-called trophy boats using radar and sat-nav to travel at speed on the Shannon.

In general, boaters are considerate and responsible. They seek to enjoy their sport without interfering with others. As a regular Shannon cruiser, I find this to be the case most of the time. Of course, a few irresponsible boaters can cause concern — but they are a minor problem.

Mr Nolan belongs to a small and vociferous group who seek to impose their idea of leisure on the rest of us.

The Shannon is a big place and can accommodate the many demands on it — water skies, jet skies, slow cruisers, anglers, and more.

As to radar and sat-nav, if boaters want to embellish their ‘toys’, so what? It’s a harmless pastime.

Let and let live, Mr Nolan.

Dave McCabe

28 Herbert Road

Bray

Co Wicklow