[danaa]

I sail in Maine which has a massive coastline with countless "ins and outs". It is very dangerous in my opinion to follow the Red Right Returning Rule in some areas because it is very difficult to know if you are coming or going. What I do is pay special attention to the "big picture" of the approach by studying the chart very carefully. As a previous writer pointed out, many aids to navigation are marking hazardous areas or shallow spots. If you see an "*" to the left of a red bouy, don''t pass it close to starboard! Yes, you must know the rules of the road, but never do it without a chart in an area that you are not familiar with.