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On Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:20:48 -0400, wrote:

On Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:31:50 -0700, wrote:

Tankers and large vessels are required by international law to avoid
collisions. They are not necessarily restricted in maneuverability,
since there are nothing preventing them from moving to one side or the
other

Nothing but physics.
I am sure you have never actually been at the helm of a ship. I have
(Coast Guard cutters 311 and 327 feet).

Depends on the definition of ship. I've been "at the helm" of several
sailboats. It may be a matter of "simple physics" but that has nothing
to do with the rules of the road as I read them. It's a matter of
following the rules. There's no rule that mentions size.

Even that small a ship does not turn on a dime. We are really talking
about an appreciable part of a mile if you are underway at sea.
That is why it is important that ships coming close to each other
communicate their intentions and follow the rules of the road.

Small boats just have to get the **** out of the way.

Not in International waters when neither boat is restricted. It's the
obligation of the much faster boat to not run over a much slower boat
like a sailboat. The tanker is going, what 30 mph or knots? I doubt a
small sailboat would be able to get out of the way, and I've read
reports where nobody on the tanker is even looking.

I have seen people try to race freighters to "the crossing" in the
Chesapeake bay to find out the freighter is going as fast as they are.
It is fun to watch them make a tactical retreat but they do get a good
rocking. If they did press this right of way thing they would wash up
on the beach in Norfolk.

Again, this has nothing to do with the discussion. I have no doubt
it's fun to watch.