Sailing Right-of-Way Basics

Three rules cover almost everything

The full Racing Rules of Sailing fills a small book, but three core right-of-way rules cover the vast majority of on-water encounters — racing or recreational.

Rule 1: Port gives way to starboard

When two boats meet on opposite tacks, the boat with the wind on its port side (left) must keep clear of the boat with the wind on its starboard side (right). The starboard-tack boat has right of way.

How to tell which tack you're on: the boom is on the leeward side. If the boom is to your right, you're on starboard tack. If it's to your left, you're on port tack.

Rule 2: Windward keeps clear of leeward

When two boats are on the same tack and overlapped, the windward boat (closer to the wind) must keep clear of the leeward boat. The leeward boat has right of way and can luff the windward boat up — but not above close-hauled.

Rule 3: The boat astern keeps clear

When one boat is overtaking another, the boat behind must keep clear. The overtaking boat must give the boat ahead room to maneuver. The overtaking boat acquires its overtaking status the moment it becomes clear astern.

Mark rounding (Rule 18)

At a mark, the inside boat at a two-boat-length zone is entitled to mark room — enough room to round the mark in a seamanlike way. This is the most-protested rule in racing; learn it before your first regatta.

When you have right of way

You still must avoid a collision if possible. Right of way is not "right of cause-a-crash." Hail the other boat clearly: "Starboard!" or "Up!" Let them respond before forcing the issue.

Takeaways

• Port gives way to starboard.
• Windward keeps clear of leeward.
• Boat astern keeps clear of boat ahead.
• Right of way is not a license to collide.