Luiz, good recap. Depending on the venue and conditions, the PRO should always cover safety and assistance. When we race on the Columbia River, home of the Gorge, and other areas with high wind and ship traffic, it is always covered. Large ships and barge traffic is the main hazzard. The normal instructions are automatic DSQ if you venture too close to ship or try to cross in their path. Also the reminder that the tug and barge may be several hundred feet apart, but the tow cable, under water is still there. Another automatic DSQ if you try to go between them.

Our safety boats try to herd the Cats away on an approaching tow, but accidents still happen. Several years ago, we had a H-16 that had turned over eaten up by a barge and tow. The crew had been rescued, but the tow could not stop. They can not alter course, and it takes several miles for them to stop.

Safety first, better to let them pass first, then cross behind.

Caleb Tarleton