[jrc]

Hitting something because you didn't see it, is always a rule 5 violation.

But having one person be the helmsman and look-out is not always a rule 5 violation. Even on a sailboat, where part of the view is always blocked. A proper look-out must be responsible to look in every direction. A proper lookout does not require constant 360 degree sight lines. A proper lookout is a lookout that stops you from hitting anyone.

Do you really think that every single handed sailor is violating USCG rules, everytime he raises a sail?

Edit:...actually rereading your response, we are really saying the say thing no sense in running circles