"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.