12
Sailing Vessels
When two sailing vessels approach, the one with wind on port side keeps clear. When both have wind on same side, the windward vessel keeps clear.
Rule 12 governs the interaction between two sailing vessels.
a
When two sailing vessels are approaching one another so as to involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the other as follows:
- 1When each has the wind on a different side, the vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other
- 2When both have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is leeward
- 3If a vessel with the wind on the port side sees a vessel to windward and cannot determine with certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on the port or on the starboard side, she shall keep out of the way of the other.
Key Takeaways
1
Port tack gives way to starboard tack
2
Windward vessel gives way to leeward when on same tack
3
If in doubt about other vessel's tack, keep clear
4
Only applies between two sailing vessels
Common Mistakes
Applying these rules when one vessel is motor-sailing (engine on)
Confusing windward/leeward with port/starboard
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