Final answer:
Rowboats, sailing vessels, and canoes have the right of way because they are less maneuverable. Canoeing techniques differ based on whether you are paddling upstream (stay near the shore) or downstream (stay near the middle) due to current strength. Understanding relative velocity is crucial for proper navigation when crossing currents or in windy conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
As a general rule, rowboats, sailing vessels, and canoes are considered to be less maneuverable due to their design and propulsion methods. Therefore, they have right of way in many navigational scenarios. This means other more maneuverable vessels, typically those powered by motors, need to yield to them.
When paddling a canoe upstream, it's advised to stay close to the shore as the current is generally weaker there, making it easier to navigate and paddle against the flow of water. Conversely, when going downstream, the current assists in the movement of the canoe, so staying near the middle takes advantage of the stronger flow and makes it easier to steer and control the canoe without the interference of eddies or obstructions near the shore.
Understanding relative velocity is important in navigation as well. If a person rows a boat across a river, they must compensate for the downstream current, or they will end up moving diagonally relative to the shore, not directly toward their intended point on the opposite side. This principle also applies to airplanes flying in a crosswind; they appear to move sideways due to the air mass's movement relative to the ground.