Rules of the Road
Rule 9-Steering & Sailing Rules
International/Inland
(b) A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.
***This applies to sailing vessels that are tacking in a channel or fairway.
Rule 18
Steering and Sailing Rules.
Responsibilities Between Vessels.
Except where Rules 9,10 and 13 otherwise require:
(a) A power driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:
(iv) a sailing vessel.
(b) A sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way :
(i) a vessel not under command
(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver .
The sailboat has the right-of-way until the motorboat gets ship-sized, when it assumes the right-of-way.
Give the sailboat a little room for navigation. It's odd that a sailboat would overtake a powerboat, but it can happen. Whether we are piloting a power or sail craft we should always be aware of our surroundings. A good pilot will have their head on a swivel at all times and know what is approaching from behind.
Give the sailboat a little room for navigation. It's odd that a sailboat would overtake a powerboat, but it can happen. Whether we are piloting a power or sail craft we should always be aware of our surroundings. A good pilot will have their head on a swivel at all times and know what is approaching from behind.
Maintain present course and speed.
If you are operating a motorboat and your motorboat is being overtaken by a sailboat, you should maintain present course and speed. The vessel that is overtaking another vessel is the give-way vessel, regardless of whether it is a sailing vessel or a power-driven vessel. The vessel being overtaken is always the stand-on vessel.
turn left
turn left
When approaching a sailing vessel head on, it is up to the motorboat to yield. The motorboat operator should swing wide as early as possible to stay well clear of the sailing vessel.
turn left
Assuming neither boat is beleaguered and each craft has sea room, each bears to starbord.
He would give way if boat is under sail but go by regular motorboat rules if he is under power.
Do everything possible to avoid it. The motorboat operator would give way if boat is under sail but go by regular motorboat rules if he is under power.