When each of them 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?
Emily Ross
Published Jan 06, 2026
Rule 12 - Sailing Vessels
When 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?
When each sailboat has the wind on a different side, the vessel that has the wind on its port (left) side is considered the give-way vessel. In this illustration, Sailboat A must take EARLY and SUBSTANTIAL action to keep clear of Sailboat B.
When two sailing vessels each have the wind on the same side and there is risk of collision which sailing vessel must keep out of the way how is that rule commonly called?
Applying the Rule(s) and comments: In accordance with Rule 12 (a)(ii) (Sailing vessels), when two sailing vessel are approaching one another, so as to involve risk of collision and when both have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward (vessel A) shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to ...
When two sailing vessel are meeting each other & have wind on the same side which sailing vessel is to keep out the way?
Wind on Same Side: When two sailing vessels are approaching one another with the wind on the same side, the leeward sailing vessel is the stand-on vessel.
What do you call the side opposite of a sailing vessel on which the mainsail is carried?
In accordance with Rule 12 (b) (Sailing vessels), the windward side shall be deemed to be the side opposite to that on which the mainsail is carried or, in the case of a square rigged vessel, the side opposite to that on which the largest fore-and-aft sail is carried.
37 related questions foundWhen 2 sailboats are approaching which has the right of way sailboat with the wind on the right sailboat with the wind on the left?
Windward gives way to leeward: If two sailboats are approaching each other and the wind is on the same side of each boat, then sailing rules are that the vessel which is to windward (the direction of the wind) must give the right of way to the vessel which is leeward (the opposite direction of the wind).
Is leeward left or right?
Because “right” and “left” can become confusing sailing terms when used out in the open waters, starboard is used to define the right-hand side of the boat as it relates to the bow, or front. 5. Leeward - Also known as lee, leeward is the direction opposite to the way the wind is currently blowing (windward).
What is a port sidelight?
Sidelights: These red and green lights are called sidelights (also called combination lights) because they are visible to another vessel approaching from the side or head-on. The red light indicates a vessel's port (left) side; the green indicates a vessel's starboard (right) side.
When two vessels are in a crossing situation on the water?
When two power-driven vessels are in crossing situation on a collision course, give way to the vessel to starboard (right). The give way vessel must take early and obvious action to avoid a collision by either stopping or altering course to starboard.
What is the windward side of a sailboat?
In sailing, windward is the term that is used to tell sailors to go towards the wind. The windward side of the boat is the side that the wind hits first. Therefore, if someone were to say to turn the boat windward, you would turn the boat in the direction of the side of the boat that is being hit by the wind first.
When two power-driven vessels are crossing the vessel which has the other to starboard must keep out of the way if?
(a) When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.
Which side do you pass on another boat?
2. Approaching Power-Driven Vessels
- If another vessel is approaching you from the port — or left — side of your boat, you have the right of way and should maintain your speed and direction.
- If a vessel is aiming to cross your path and they're on your starboard — or right — side, they have the right of way.
Which side do ships pass each other?
Pass “Port to Port” a vessel operating in a river or buoyed channel should with oncoming traffic keep to the starboard (right hand) side. When two vessels are approaching one another head on, they should alter course to starboard (right) and pass as if they were operating in a river or channel.
What does the vessel in sight of one another means?
Applying the Rule(s) and comments: In accordance with Rule 3 (k) (General definitions) vessels shall be deemed to be in sight of one another only when one can be observed visually from the other. Comments: The term observed visually means that the other vessel is observed by naked eye or binoculars.
When a vessel is any doubt as to whether head on or crossing situation exists she shall?
When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether such a situation exists we shall assume that it does exist and act accordingly…”, i. e. alter the course to starboard.
When 2 sailboats are approaching which has the right of way?
When crossing, the boat on the other boat's port (left) side must give way. sound signal to indicate which side it intends to pass on (one short blast for starboard, and two for port).
Who has right of way at sea?
A power driven vessel must give way to a sailing vessel unless the sailing vessel is in the process of overtaking it. When two power driven vessels meet head on, each must alter course to starboard (to the right) and pass at a safe distance.
Why do boats pass on the right?
When two power vessels are attempting to cross, the right of way is given to the vessel on the starboard side. This vessel that does not have the right of way must take early action to avoid a collision. This vessel either needs to stop or alter course to starboard.
Which side is port?
When looking forward, toward the bow of a ship, port and starboard refer to the left and right sides, respectively. In the early days of boating, before ships had rudders on their centerlines, boats were controlled using a steering oar.
What is the give way vessel?
Give-way vessel: The vessel that is required to take early and substantial action to keep out of the way of other vessels by stopping, slowing down, or changing course. Avoid crossing in front of other vessels. Any change of course and/or speed should be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel.
Is green port or starboard?
To set forth these navigational rules, the terms starboard and port are essential, and to aid in in situ decision-making, the two sides of each vessel are marked, dusk to dawn, by navigation lights, the vessel's starboard side by green and its port side by red.
What is a leeward wind?
Windward is upwind from the point of reference, i.e. towards the direction from which the wind is coming; leeward is downwind from the point of reference, i.e. along the direction towards which the wind is going.
Who has right of way windward or leeward?
Sailors refer to the boat with right-of-way as the stand-on vessel-the boat that must hold its course. The leeward boat has right-of-way, and the windward boat has to keep clear, or give way.
Is the leeward side cooler?
The Leeward Side
As the air continues to descend towards sea level, atmospheric pressure increases which causes a temperature increase. Because of all of this (scientifically called adiabatic warming), the leeward side is generally warmer and drier.
When you are sailing who has right of way when the wind is on the same side of both yachts?
When both sailing vessels are on the same tack, the sailing vessel to windward – closest to where the wind is blowing from – must give way.