Right of Way

Sailing has rules just like driving.

When two sailboats are on opposite tacks:

• Starboard tack has right of way
• Port tack must keep clear

If a collision is possible:

Starboard boat should loudly hail STARBOARD.
Port boat should reply HOLD YOUR COURSE.

When on the same tack:

The leeward boat has right of way.

Leeward
The boat farther from the wind.

If your sail is behind another sail on the same tack and being covered you are the leeward boat.

You get rights because they are stealing your wind and reducing your power.

Overtaking rule:

Just like cars on a single lane highway, if I want to pass someone I must stay out of their way, not just honk my horn to get them to move.

The boat doing the overtaking must keep clear.

Even if you have right of way, you must ALWAYS avoid a collision.

Safety comes before rules.

Crew should always tell the skipper about other boats as they may not see them.