It's always pissed me off when were on a closing course and I had the 'right of way' but didn't know it until I saw his exhaust but changed course thinking he was under sail and wasn't.

If I know I'm the 'stand on' vessel I don't alter course on a vessel any where near my size until just before we crash. Kind of dumb perhaps but that's what I do, call him on the radio and then with horns blasting I stand on until I make the decision I don't want to collide. Only then will I alter course. I get yelled at by the wife (the one with the license) when I do it

It would be easier If I just changed course but I have a real aversion to it when I should be 'stand on'. Add to that the fact the other boat was a power boat with sails up just chafes my hyde so I also yell at him. I guess that the practice makes me a bit of a jerk in that situation but if your out there KNOW THE DAMN RULES OF THE ROAD'. I guess my 40,000 lbs and total 55 feet helps.

Most sailors just alter course even if they're 'stand on'. I just don't want to if the rules say I shouldn't.

The ball says you have given up your sailboat privileges and is a good indication that you know at least something about navigation and rules.

I don't understand the ball if you have no sails up.