We are encountering more commercial traffic in the Chesapeake than further North. Primarily we see petroleum and car carriers, but we've seen naval vessels, research ships, container carriers and more. When sailing a 46' boat one observes "the rules of the road" but more importantly, one observes "the big boat rule". Simply stated, the big boat rule says the big boats, having limited maneuverability" simply get the right of way as a matter of practicality. We have passed many big boats and barge/tug combinations and we always pay close attention to the big boats' intentions. Nina from the (sail) boat Dolphin sent us this picture of Thistle and a car carrier passing each other.