I am writing in response to a letter printed in the Packet on September 5 regarding ferry rage. I am a sailing and power boat instructor for the Royal Yachting Association, commercially endorsed to skipper any vessel, sail or power, up to 24m in length, 200 gross registered tones anywhere in the world.

During Falmouth week, whilst racing a B class Falmouth working boat, I also had a close run with a ferry. The writer shows his own ignorance and arrogance and therefore lack of safety to himself and others. This problem is portrayed by many on the water today.

There are international rules designed to keep us all safe upon the water. Rules so we are all aware of what action should be taken. Nobody is exempt with respect to a collision at sea.

A correct and proper look-out should be maintained at all times. After this the rules are set in place to make life easier and safer for all with respect to the avoidance of collision at sea. Power driven vessels should at all times give way and keep well clear of vessels that are sailing. The exception occurs with respect to motor vessels that are "constrained by draught," "restricted in ability to manoeuvre" (ie, fishing, trawling, other) and "not under command" (ie, mechanical or other problems). These exempted vessels should be displaying the correct day shapes and night lights.

For the writer's information a 20ft sailing boat has a similar draught to that of a 40ft ferry, therefore they will both be "constrained by draught" in a similar fashion. The ferry operators have no more rights than anybody else on the water and should at all times alter course early and keep well clear to avoid confrontation with yachts that are "under sail." Should a vessel "sailing" be bullied by any power driven vessel into "giving way" or passed so close as to give concern, then the skipper of the sailing vessel should note the time position and name of the ferry or power boat and report this incident to the harbour master.

Ferry captains need a boatman's licence to operate legally and will have been given instruction about these internationally understood "rules of the road."

I would suggest the letter writer and many like him learn their subject before making brash statements.

Name and address supplied