Seperation schemes are common in the States as well though there is no where
I know of where the ships are actually at a density that requires any great
degree of  prepartion to slide between them.  Mostly one every couple of
hours.  And mostly going relatively slowly in the seperation zones.

As in Europe the ships in the zone have right away on those crossing.  In
fact there is a specific "shall not impede" for sailboats.

I would have little doubt that any modern container ship is painting a
sailboat at a couple of miles.  I find normal small boat radar easily paints
a panga at a mile.  Whether anyone is looking is another question but I
would suspect good to excellent radar attention anyplace near Dover.

On a slightly different subject the catch rain position is not recommended
for sailboats or any vessel that rolls heavily from level.  It is the best
position for a vertical mast but rapidly deteriorates on any significant
displacement from vertical.  The double catch rain is preferred.

Jim

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