It is physically impossible for a large ship under way to stop or maneuver quickly enough to avoid a small boat that is so close it cannot be seen over the bow. In this situation, the ship is by definition restricted in its ability to maneuver . Designing a race course to cross paths with ships is irresponsible and dangerous.
“Pecking order”
Not under command
Restricted in ability to maneuver
Constrained by draft
Fishing (commercial)
Sailing
Power vessel
Seaplane
mnemonic:
New
Reels
Catch
Fish
So
Purchase
Some
Sailboats have their own rules when meeting each other while under sail such as starboard tack has right of way over port tack and leeward sailboat is stand on. Unfortunately, too many sailors ignore all COLREGS and don’t monitor the radio.