In open water, yes, we regularly give way to sailing vessels, rowing boats, canoes etc, but when coming into a jetty or in strong winds we NEED our right of way, and have the legal right to hold our course.
However, as I said it is the responsibility of ALL water users to avoid collision at all times, so I don't just go and run them through (tempting though it is sometimes).
The problem we have- which until the floods we are now dealing with- is when water levels are low and we have less than 5 meters leeway to grounding coming into the jetty, and all of a sudden a dinghy or a canoe jumps out- after seeing us- trying to nip in front of us, you factor in a F5 southerly blowing you on and it really can get quite hairy.
My heart goes out to Balmoral's helmsman- you really feel guilty when you have a close call- even if you have no direct blame, but it won't stop...
...which is probably the real point- it relies on fully trained helmsman to uphold their resbonsibilities to their ship to evade and avoid these hazards.
Heaven forbid two irresponsible ones meet...
Greg