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Right of way between sailboats: 5 cases where many make mistakes
30 November 2025 · 11 min · 6K views
What this video covers
The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) dictate specific right-of-way rules for sailboats that frequently confuse sailors. When two sailboats on opposite tacks are on a collision course, the vessel on the starboard tack has the right of way; the vessel on the port tack must maneuver.2:28 If two sailboats are on the same tack, the windward vessel must keep clear of the leeward vessel, as the leeward boat is presumed to have less maneuverability.5:09
When determining tack in downwind conditions, the position of the mainsail defines the side of the wind, regardless of the headsail's position.6:52 If two vessels are on the same tack, the windward boat remains the give-way vessel.8:32 Finally, a sailboat overtaking a power-driven vessel must yield, as the overtaking rule overrides the general priority sailboats hold over motor vessels.10:12 Understanding these specific COLREGs scenarios is essential for safe navigation, as data from community tests indicates that over 50% of participants frequently misidentify the give-way vessel in these common encounters.
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