Of course they are. The colregs are all inclusive. If the vessel is
making way she is being propelled by oars, sails or machinery. There is
nothing else possible.

Cheers MC

Wally wrote:
The_navigator© wrote:

OED:


c. transf. Applied to something that is spread out like a sail,
or that catches the wind.


Note "c".


The dictionary, so far as I understand it, describes usages of words as part
of language, but not neccessarly a legal definition for the purpose of the
colregs (if the kitesail thingy is where this coming from / going).

Not saying it doesn't apply, though. On a canoe, the method of propulsion
isn't part of the vessel, but is a separate implement held and manipulated
by the person. Although not a direct correlate to the idea of whether a
sailboat can only be such if the sail is attached to it, it does suggest a
precedent for non-attachment of the means of propulsion. What about those
river ferry raft-things that are moved by the person on board pulling on a
rope stretched across the river? Aren't hey vessels?


--
Wally
www.makearatherlonglinkthattakesyounowhere.com
Things are always clearer in the cold, post-upload light.