How to Practice the Basic Right of Way Rules in Sailing

Just as in driving, sailing has certain basic right-of-way rules that make is safer for everyone. Here are a few that you are most likely to encounter.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. When a sailboat is under power, it is considered a powerboat. When powerboats are on intersecting courses, the powerboat on the right has right of way over the powerboat on the left. The left boat must yield to the right boat.

2. When sailboats are sailing and are on intersecting courses, the sailboat that has the wind coming over the right side of the boat has right of way over the sailboat with the wind coming over the left side.

3. If two boats are on intersecting courses and the wind is coming over the same side of each boat, then the boat furthest from the source of the wind has right of way.

4. When a sailboat and a powerboat are on intersecting courses, the sailboat has right of way.

5. If sailing and a commercial ship is in your path, you must stay clear because this is a large vessel and has limited maneuverability and must stay in deeper water.

6. When any boat is overtaking another (passing), it does not matter what side to pass on but the boat overtaking must keep clear of the boat it is passing.

7. When in a narrow channel, just like on a 2-lane street, boats should stay to the right and let the boat coming toward it pass on its left.

Tips & Warnings

• When unsure of any passing or meeting situation, stay clear of all vessels.
• Make sudden, obvious movements while a boat on an intersecting course is still a good distance away from you so that it is obvious what your change of course will be.