But there IS a right of way. The rules give it to the stand-on vessel.

Otherwise there would be chaos.

Just like the green traffic light gives you the right of way does
not mean it will keep some idiot from running the read light
and smashing into you but you do have the right of way until
such time as that happens.

Same holds true with the Colregs. They are a guide and a good one.
But like any guide they cannot be written to cover every eventuality.
That is why right of way is not an absolute but there is right of
way nonetheless.

CN



"Nav" wrote in message ...


Capt. Neal® wrote:



I think you'll find that Donal is objecting to the phrase "right of way".

otn


That objection is trite IMHO. Why it bothers some people
so much is beyond understanding. That they seem to relish
latching onto such an unimportant issue when other far more
pressing matters are at hand shows they may not be capable
of seeing the bigger picture.


The big picture is that a real sailor does not assume the other vessel
will hold her course or give way in simple crossing situation. Only a
fool thinks there is a 'right of way' in this scenario. A real sailor
knows the other vessel may not give way for a multitude of reasons
includind CBD, RAM and NUC -let alone trawling.

Hope this helps.

Cheers