T&T: rules of navigation..sail vs power

[Lee Licata]

Dear List:

I can tell you that while the rules state that a sailboat coming up  
abaft is the overtaking, or "burdened" vessel (I know, showing my  
age), my experience tells me that I would have to exercise great  
PRUDENCE because I am not willing to assume that the sailor knows the  
rules, understands them well, and can apply them appropriately.

I also know that while he may be the overtaking vessel, he is at the  
mercy of the wind, I know, by choice, but is still at its mercy.

A sudden change and then the rule that requires both to take action  
to avoid collision may unexpectedly come into force.

So, if the sailor will NOT talk with you on vhf, then I would watch  
him warily until he is well clear.

This is an ugly scenario. I have been in it a few times. In some  
cases, the admiral flagged him to grab his radio. In other cases, he  
just ignored us. When he did talk with me, he lead me to believe that  
he thought that he was the stand on (or "privileged") vessel no  
matter what because "he was sailing!!!"

Be careful out there boys and girls. There are ______ (you can fill  
in the blanks yourself) out there.

Lee
Ankara