This case is making news all across the country. It is obvious that when a sailboat has the right of way and is run over by a power boat that the power boat with its greater maneuverability is at fault. Even if it is driven by a sheriff. That the driver of the sailboat is being prosecuted is a travesty of justice.

If you can get ahold of a copy of “Chapman's Piloting, Seamanship, and Small Boat Handling,” I'm using the 62nd Edition, starting on page 134 it discusses the "Rules of the Road" with the pertinent parts being on page 138, "Determining Safe Speed"; page 139, "Determining Risk of Collision" and "Actions to Avoid Collisions"; page 140, "General Right of Way Provisions," "Actions by the Give-way Vessel"; page 142, "Sailing Vessel Rules"; particularly the part on Page 143 titled "Sail's right of way over power."

I think that these sections should give you enough background material to make the case.

Thomas K. Gore II lives in Oxford, MD.

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