The Right of Way rules do not technically come into effect between boats until there is
possibility of collision. Sailboats should never get so close to each other so that a risk of collision exists. vessels should pass portside to portside and as far to starboard as water depth permits. When two sailboats meet there are three rules to follow:
1. The boat on port tack gives way to boat on starboard tack. 2. When on same tack, windward boat gives way to leeward boat. 3. The overtaking vessel keeps clear of slower vessel.
To learn more about rules of road, download a Free! "Rules of Road" article with graphics at our website at http://learntosail.net/
Piloting- Deviation and Variation
There are two types of Poles; Geographic North and South Poles, also called True North and True South, and Magnetic North and South Poles. The Geographic poles are stationary. The earth is a big magnet with magnetic lines of force running from magnetic north pole to magnetic south pole. The magnetic pole is located in northern Canada; somewhat west of Geographic Pole. It's location changes over long periods of time.
Variation is angle between magnetic north and true north. This is indicated by a compass when it is free of any nearby magnetic influences. A magnetized pointer, or needle, that is allowed to spin freely, will point to magnetic north pole. On a boat compass, this needle is situated in middle of a ring which shows 360 degrees. Now matter in which direction boat heads, compass still points to Magnetic North.
Deviation
Boats with lots of metal have their own magnetic fields and compass may respond to it and be pulled somewhat away from direction of magnetic north. When this happens, it is called compass deviation and needs to be compensated for. This can be done by installing small internal magnets in compass, or, you can make up a deviation chart for your boat and refer to it when figuring out what course to steer by your compass. This especially applies to small boat sailor who won't be using a mounted compass with magnets.
