"Rosalie B." wrote in message
...
In the case of both ferries, we were not sailing, we were under power.
But in all three cases they were overtaking.

Sure thing. Doesn't make much difference, since it was an overtaking
situation.

In any case, for large commercial vessels of any kind, we get out of
their way (if at all possible) before it comes up to following or not
following the rules. If necessary, Bob will circle the boat -
especially if the ship in question is a tug and tow.

A good practice if it's practicable. And, of course, there is the issue
about restricted maneuverability, which one keep in mind. This comes up all
the time for cargo, tanker, tug, etc. situations out here.

We did have a close call once when crossing the Savannah River (motor
sailing). The ICW cuts across while large ships are going up and down
the river. (The same situation applies for the river in Jacksonville
FL, but the sight lines are better.)

There was a German warship coming in the river, and we could hear the
very southern pilot on the radio warning sailboats in the ICW. I saw
the superstructure of the ship (mostly the mast part) through the
trees, but did not immediately recognize it as a ship - I thought it
was just some funny kind of tree. There was another sailboat ahead of
us, and I thought the pilot was talking to them. He could only see
our mast, so he couldn't tell that the boat ahead of us was a
catamaran. [When I called Bob's attention to the funny 'tree', he did
recognize it as a ship.]

But when we came out into the river, we saw the warship a very short
distance away, and consequently we put on the power to get out of his
way and onto the other side of the channel.