1. Introduction

[12-001] Yachts and commercial vessels. Yachts and commercial vessels are exposed to similar navigational hazards. For this reason, the training of yachtsmen is based on the same principles as that of seamen and aims at achieving good seamanship skills.1 There is, in fact, no general distinction between large and small vessels, or indeed yachts and commercial ships within the Collision Regulations.2 However, where good seamanship requires differentiation, the difficulties of navigating sailing vessels3 are accounted for and any difficulties in manoeuvrability4 are duly taken into consideration.