Looking ahead, the skipper can see this harbour entrance has fairly regular ferry traffic. Once safely across this time, what should be considered for future crossings?

A. Ferry timetables are never published anywhere and cannot be checked in advance

B. Where possible, check ferry timetables or schedules in advance and try to time the crossing to avoid known busy periods; always cross at as close to a right angle as practical, since this is the quickest way through a busy channel and reduces the time spent in the area of risk

C. There is no way to plan ahead for ferry traffic — it must simply be dealt with as it appears each time

D. Always cross along the length of the channel rather than straight across it, to enjoy a longer sail through the busy area

A. Speed up directly across its path to "beat it" to the other side

B. Keep a close, continuous watch on the ferry's bearing (the direction it appears from) to judge whether it is getting closer in a way that suggests risk of collision, and be ready to take early action — large fast vessels can close distance far quicker than they appear to from a small boat

C. Assume the ferry will always see and avoid a small sailing boat automatically

D. Stop watching the ferry once it has been seen and focus on something else

A. Size alone always decides who must give way, with no other rules applying

B. Right of way rules do not apply at all inside a harbour entrance

C. Not automatically by size alone, but in practice large vessels in a narrow or marked channel often cannot manoeuvre quickly or safely, and many channels have specific local rules requiring small craft to keep clear of larger commercial traffic — a small boat should always act early to stay well clear regardless of the strict right of way rule

D. A small sailing boat always automatically has right of way over any powered vessel in any situation