KLC Lewis wrote:
Can we all just agree that EVERY skipper has the duty and obligation to
avoid collisions with other vessels, and to make our intentions known to
other boats on the water?

Now there is a good idea... oddly enough it is mentioned in
ColRegs, too. Make helm corrections early, make them
obvious, so the other vessel doesn't ahve to guess your
intentions.

... Generally speaking, however, powerboats (or
sailboats under power, being the same thing) are much more maneuverable

Actually I think sailboats... especially under power... are
a lot more maneuverable. The larger rudders & keels have
something to do with it, I'm guessing!

and/or free to take any heading they like, than sailboats. When
singlehanding my ketch, I also use autopilot quite a bit -- nevertheless,
that doesn't relieve me of the obligation to avoid collisions.


Uh-oh, now you're expecting common sense?!?

We've had people walk out on their foredeck and angrily yell
at us to keep out of their way because they were on
autopilot. Haven't had that happen when we were anchored,
but that'll probably occur any day now.

I recently had a shrimp trawler yell at me to get out of his
way. He was trawling, I was anchored. Oh well.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King