In response to Mary's implication that learning to drive is easy, I would rebutt with the idea and police are very happy to tell us that very few people really know the "rules of the road". Most have a "common sense" general idea, which is good for most occasions.

For example, picture the mess that usually ends up when a city installs a "roundabout" in a busy intersection.

I agree with Jake, as well, since it is never quite known what the Port tack boat will do when suddenly aware of the STB tack boat is bearing down on it...

If I have rights, I typically whistle at the other boat (while still at a distance) just to get their attention...

Another item is that I try to think about what the port boat will do. For instance, I figure the downwind boat will try to drive deeper, rather than risk a capsize by heading up, and the upwind boat will try to duck me. So even if those maneuvers will place them at further risk of collision, I'll keep it in mind as a backup plan (and yell "protest") so I don't hit them.

So far, I'm 0 for 2 (zero hits, and two "hit by" - one at a start (no damage but a protestable offense), and one in extremely heavy weather in survival mode. Can you really tack while heaving to?)