What now, skip?

[OGITD]

IMHO you should ALWAYS! "err on the side of safety"....and never create, or place anyone or anything in a dangerous situation......even if the regulations and or calculations say you are right or just OK. But how to rate intelligence and good old common sense would be an entirely new thread.
The other vessel, Captain and or Crew just might have good reason for you to "stand off".

 

[Observer]

If you're confident of getting a prompt response, that would be okay. However, it should be possible to steer a course that makes it clear that you're giving space to one side or the other for the ferry to overtake. That would be my preferred option.

 

[Danny Jo]

[ QUOTE ]
. . . it should be possible to steer a course that makes it clear that you're giving space to one side or the other for the ferry to overtake. That would be my preferred option.

[/ QUOTE ] Mine too in quieter conditions.

Once in the narrow bit of the North entrance to Kerrera Sound, deep draught vessels have to take a sharpish turn to starboard to round a cardinal mark (West, I think) just inside the Sound. Searush mentions seeing one heeling 15 degrees as she made the turn. With the wind on her starboard beam, the "Isle of Mull" was heeling as much going straight ahead. Sharing the channel with I ferry is one thing in calm conditions, but in those conditions we felt more comfortable staying well out of her way.

I'm not sure if one could describe Caledonian MacBrayne's schedules as aggressive. They are certainly tied in with train and bus timetables to create a reasonably cohesive public transport infrastructure, on which much of the Hebridean economy depends. As a guest, I have no desire to make things any more difficult for the islanders, my generally very hospitable hosts.

 

[Sgeir]

You did the right thing by keeping out of the way imho. I've just had a look at the chart and the safe water for a yacht is well under one cable in width, and considerably less for the car ferry.

There's no local issue with MacBrayne's; their deck officers and crew are very good at keeping a safe distance from yachts under sail. They're used to it and on just about every passage at this time of year will make a course deviation to accommodate yachts.

We pass over MacBrayne's routes just about every time we sail, and I will always stand on where it is appropriate (ie under sail etc) in areas including the Sound Mull, the gap at Lismore Light etc. This is understood by MacBrayne skippers and crew who I suggest prefer the predictability of ColRegs to chaos.

The exception in this area is the entrance to Oban Bay by the north entrance. which should be treated as a Narrow Channel.