SECTION A - RIGHT OF WAY
A boat has right of way over another boat when the other boat is required to keep clear of her. However, some rules in Sections B, C and D limit the actions of a right-of-way boat.
Rule 10 ON OPPOSITE TACKS
When boats are on opposite tacks, a port-tack boat shall keep clear of a starboard-tack boat.
Rule 11 ON THE SAME TACK, OVERLAPPED
When boats are on the same tack and overlapped, a windward boat shall keep clear of a leeward boat.
There are general rules that every sailor should keep in mind:
- Always sail with common sense, safety, and good sportsmanship.
- Right-of-way is not an excuse to cause a collision. All boats (sailors) are required by rule to avoid a collision if possible.
- A sailboat in motion shall keep clear of a stopped sailboat.
Which boat has right of way?
Red
Blue
Red - The boats are on opposite tacks.
Image courtesy of Oli and Wolfi Finckh