Who has the right of way?

Any sailboat navigating under power (even if it's sails are up) is considered a power boat and governed by the following rules.

1. Meeting head-on

When two boats in open waters are moving towards each other in a head on direction, both must alter course to starboard so that they pass each other port-side to port-side.

2. Crossing

When two boats in open water are crossing the one that has the other on its starboard side must give way. Every boat has a danger zone that extends from from dead ahead to 112.5 degrees on the starboard beam and encompasses the zone covered by its green sidelight. A powerboat must give way to any other power boat approaching within its danger zone.

Note: the red area indicates the "danger zone" in reality, this light is green

3. Overtaking another vessel

When one power boat overtakes another in open water, the overtaking boat must keep out of the way of the overtaken boat until all danger of collision is passed. If a sailboat is overtaking a power boat it has all the obligations of an overtaking power boat and the obligation of avoiding collision rests with the sailboat in this situation.

4. Sailboat operating under sail

With the exception of a sailboat under sail overtaking a power boat indicated above and in special circumstances (near large commercial vessels, in narrow channels, in upstream downstream situations, in traffic lanes, near fishing vessels, and around diving operations) in clear visibility a power boat must give way to a sailing vessel regardless of the direction of approach. It is a courtesy for a power boat to cross behind a sailboat.

Collision Regulations

Last growth spurt on February 12, 2008