John Reimer wrote:
Sorry if anyone thinks these are stupid questions, I'm just starting to
learn this sailing thing. They're based on some actual sailing incidents
this weekend, but for which I can't find answers in my Annapolis Book of
Seamanship.

1. The Bozo Factor

It is covered by Rule 8 - basically it is incumbent on both parties to
avoid collision by any means when the risk exists.

In particular: 8(f) (i) through (iii)

Buy a copy of the Navigation Rules

2. Do you "report" these kinds of bozos to the Coast Guard or harbor
authorities? Or just shake your head and move on?

Depends on the skipper. Your Captain may have notified the CG or HM of
the situation by radio. Sometimes you can do something, most times not.

3. Later, we almost had a collision with another, even smaller sailboat, but
that was kind of cute and funny, as the wind had died and no one was moving.
But the wave action had far more motive power to their small boat than our
huge one, so the waves were pushing them towards us. With the most minimal
wisps of wind that came up for a second or two, they managed to get
parallel, so they floated by, backwards, down the entire length of our ship.
Fenders were at the ready. I'm assuming there's not much else you can do
than that, other than maybe they shouldn't have approached so close before
the wind died?

That's why they invented things called auxillary engines. :)