Give-way by steering to starboard early folks

[Dave R]

I was stand-on twice in normal crossing situations yesterday. Both times the give way vessel slowed enough to come off-plane at about 300 feet. I maintained course and speed as required and there was wide open water behind me.

Both situations were orderly and no laws were broken, however, there's a better way. If the other vessels had simply altered course 10 degrees to starboard, 30 seconds earlier, they could have maintained speed and would have passed well behind me. There was no good reason not to do that, especially with gas as expensive as it is.

If you ever find yourself in a crossing situation with any possibility of a collision course and you are operating the give-way vessel, make a course adjustment to starboard early (if it's safe to do so) and obviously (so that the other boat operator knows you are giving way) and it'll make it easier for everyone.