Capt. Neal® wrote:

"Jeff Morris" wrote in message
...

This is a meaningless comment. You're only saying that an alternate
version of the sailing rules could have been invented - one that
doesn't include the overtaking rule. For example, the yacht racing
rules handle overtaking quite differently. However, they are not the
issue here. The Colregs are quite clear the Rule 13 takes priority,
and it is the responsibility of the overtaking vessel to avoid getting
so close that it can't keep clear of the overtaken vessel.


But it's not meaningless. Take any two sailboats on any point of sail
where overtaking takes place and the situation is already covered by
one of the three sailing rules. If the sailing rules are followed, then
there is no need for Rule 13. For sailboats, Rule 13 is superfluous.
This is why Rule 13 is qualified by the notwithstanding word.

Are you now questioning the meaning of "notwithstanding"? Clearly Rules
12 and 13 have different implications for which vessel is Give-way in
some situations. This is why they included the word "notwithstanding"
to say that Rule 13 take priority.



I can't say it any plainer than that. All it takes for you to disprove
what I am saying is to come up with one scenario where if two sailboats
are following the rules that an extra rule covering overtaking is needed.

Whether an extra rule is "needed" is irrelevant. The rule is there and
it explicitly takes priority. You can't ignore the rules as written
because you think you could have a smaller set that is self-consistent.

Now, if you want to create an alternative set of rules, just as a mind
exercise, that's a different thing. But if, at some late time, you
actually go sailing, then you should learn the real rules and abide by them.