Which vessel activity allows for exceeding headway speed?

The activity of water skiing allows for exceeding headway speed because it typically involves a vessel towing a skier at higher speeds than what would be considered headway speed. Headway speed refers to a vessel moving as slowly as it can while still making progress through the water, which is often defined as just above the point at which the vessel's bow is still moving. In contrast, water skiing requires a vessel to travel at much higher speeds to create the necessary conditions for the skier to safely glide over the water, typically ranging from 20 to 30 miles per hour or more, depending on the skier's skill level and conditions.

In contrast, the other activities listed have different speed regulations or customary practices. Touring nearby islands generally involves leisurely cruising at or below headway speed to ensure safety and enjoyment of the surroundings. Maintaining a fishing spot also typically entails moving at slower speeds to avoid disturbing the fish. Fast leisure cruising could imply higher speeds, but it does not universally violate the constraints of headway speed in the same manner as water skiing, which is explicitly designed for high-speed towing. Therefore, water skiing distinctly allows for the exceeding of headway speed due to the nature of the activity and the need for increased velocity to support it effectively.