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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Right of Way question

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Mark Maxwell
Captain

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USA
329 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/31/2006 : 01:05:03

I don't want to get flamed here but this topic came up and the debate was split about 50/50. Several sailing books were brought out and most had 3 basic rules. The first 2 were the same in each but #3 is different.

Given that you should Never force right of way,

Basic Sailing Rule#1 is: Starboard boat over Port boat, Rule#2 is: if same tack Leeward boat over Windward boat, Rule#3 is if Leeward boat is on Port tack and unsure of Windward boat's tack he shall give way. This is the other #3, Rule#3 is: Close Hauled boat over Running boat. also stated as: Boats with the wind aft shall give way.

Is a boat running free with the boom carried to port on Starboard? Thereby giving it right of way over the Close hauled Leeward boat on a Port tack?

Are the rules prioritized, ie: Starboard-vs-Port over Leeward-vs-Windward?

Please be kind

Mark-
'Impulse...�
1978 C25 #533 SR/DIN/FIN ~_/)~
Bakersfield, CA.

Edited by - Mark Maxwell on 07/31/2006 01:06:45

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 07/31/2006 : 07:05:08

If you really want to get technical, right of way isn’t given in the rules of the road. The stand on vessel has the obligation to not alter course as to cause a collision. The give way vessel or burdened vessel as the obligation to give way or alter course to avoid a collision. Both boats must avoid the collision and neither boat has a “right” to anywhere.

There really isn’t a number 3. You might read it in some non official texts, however Starboard tacked boat (based on mainsail or largest mainsail) vs. a port tacked boat, the port tacked boat shall keep clear.

When on the same tack, the windward boat shall keep clear.

In absence of a number 3, one and two cover all situations.

Edited by - Champipple on 07/31/2006 07:06:01

Bill Holcomb
Admiral

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USA
769 Posts

Response Posted - 07/31/2006 : 08:57:54

Hi Mark,

I agree with Duane. Especially in that there isn't really a "Rule #1, #2, etc. If your read the COLREGS and the U.S. Inland Navigation Rules you will find that these rules are organized according to rule and paragraph - not as number one, two or three. And there are lots of rules.

The rules that most often have to do specifically with sailboats are:
The rules that apply to action to be taken by the stand-on vessel and the burdened vessel. Stand-on is to maintain your course and speed -- then, if the skipper of the burdened vessel is not taking action to avoid collision, the stand-on skipper should take action so as to avoid collision (Rule 17(b) and (d).

Port/Starboard Tacks - starboard tack sailboat has right of way and is the stand-on vessel related to port tack sailboats on intersecting courses. Rule 13(a) Of course, sailboat means a vessel that is sailing and not using an engine or motor as a source of propulsion. If you are motor sailing, you are a power boat.

Windward/leeward - The leeward sailboat is the stand-on vessel when a windward sailboat is intersecting on a collision course. Rule 13(a)

Overtaking - If you are closing on another vessel (any vessel) from more than 22.5 degrees abaft that vessel's beam, then you are overtaking it. An overtaking vessel must always keep clear of a vessel being overtaken. The overtaking vessel is the burdened (give-way) vessel. Rule 13(a)

Generally, but not always, a sailboat has the right of way regarding powerboats. But there are important exceptions. These situations are specified in Rule 18(a) and (b).

These rules can be found in Part "B of the Inland Rules and are aimed at preventing collisions.

As Duane alluded, you are always responsible for avoiding collisions.

Everyone should have and read Chapman's Piloting regarding rules of the road to gain a good understanding of these rules.

Bill Holcomb - C25 Snickerdoodle #4839

Edited by - on

stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 07/31/2006 : 11:58:00

Mark - now that the experts have weighed in - IMHO, what it generally comes down to, on the water, and then back at the dock: what is the true cost of insisting on what you believe is the right of way?
I've found that when it gets that technical, its better to be well intented, give way.
The benefits far outweigh the potential consequences.

We were at a race camp a week ago and went over this topic far too long...the final word from the head coach was that if you were in a tight spot and had to react quickly, you are always better off to take the route that avoided collision and/or bad feelings (unless you're in a 12 meter sponsored boat and your fellow racers live and breathe on technicalities too)