[diogenes ghost]

"Bulker has right of way..."

As a practical matter, yeah....sailing vessel has the right, but not the might.

[tpmintx]

"Bulker has right of way..." As a practical matter, yeah....sailing vessel has the right, but not the might.

Chapman's Piloting 59th Edition 1989

Ranking

• Vessels not under command (our 16 year-old friend)
• Vessels restricted in ability to maneuver (our bulk carrier)
• Vessels engaged in fishing
• Sailing Vessels (Does not apply)
• Power-driven Vessels (Does not apply)

Bulk carrier should have kept out a watch and kept clear of our young friend.

The rules read the way they do, because of the possibility of short-handed boats on the high seas.

[pbear8]

As a practical matter, yeah....sailing vessel has the right, but not the might.

Not necessarily, Rule Nine applies in shipping lanes.