Hi Dan,

Granted Maine is a lot less crowded than other areas, especially congested waterways where you need to be more by the book ... but when we're in a situation where a 'close-approach' could occur with another boat I look at the totality of the situation and try to make an early, and obvious, slight change of course if necessary to make it clear what I think we should both do. I try to consider what the other boat is doing, as well as me. If he is struggling to carry a spinnaker, or trying to fetch a mark to clear a ledge, I'm less concerned by who has rights than what makes the most sense for both of us in the situation. If we have the right of way, as I always tell my wife, make it clear and obvious to the other vessel our intention, by cheating our course to whichever way we think we should be passing - and to do this early in the situation. It makes for less stress for everyone.

It does piss me off when we're in the 'right' and someone comes along and is completely oblivious to the situation and fails to make clear their intention. But I recognize many folks may not have a lot of experience and are struggling just with the challenge of boating in Maine. We're also used to giving way to fishermen who are working their traps and need room to do so. I've always enjoyed the relative friendliness here in Maine and it may well not apply in other parts of the country. As an aside, my wife is a big waver, as are most boats here ... we find it a bit sad when others aren't so friendly with their waves.

Best regards,(nl)Max