Open Note to Another Captain

[Descant]

Woodsy, I took Barney's phrase "starboard quarter" to mean "stern quarter", and thus overtaking. If it was bow quarter up to 112.5, you are correct.

[Barney Bear]

The boat in my above entry was behind the danger zone of dead ahead to two points abaft (aft) of my starboard beam, thus he was the overtaking vessel.

I always yield rather than quibble. I'm retired and I have all day to get to my destination (whole). 😇

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by Descant

Woodsy, I took Barney's phrase "starboard quarter" to mean "stern quarter", and thus overtaking. If it was bow quarter up to 112.5, you are correct.

"Starboard quarter", in marine terms, literally means off the stern on the starboard side. As described, the other captain should have given way long before he/she put the boat on a collision course on the starboard side of the OP's boat.

[Woodsy]

Originally Posted by Descant

Woodsy, I took Barney's phrase "starboard quarter" to mean "stern quarter", and thus overtaking. If it was bow quarter up to 112.5, you are correct.

Descant.....

On first read I took it that way too.... then I reread the thread. If the guy was approaching from the stern quarter, as you indicate, Barney held course and speed the guy would have/should have passed behind him safely... that is what happens past the 112.5 degree mark. Barney also had the option to speed up with the same result.. the guy passes behind Barney.

Barney chose to slow, and allow the guy to pass in front... that action (and that Barney observed the guy was not changing course after some time had passed) tells me the guy was within the 112.5 and Barney was the Give Way.

Like Barney said though... most likely with simple course correction the guy could have safely passed behind Barney. I do that all the time!

BTW.. this is not a criticism of Barney... please don't take it that way. Just dissecting an incident on the lake.

Woodsy