When does a sailboat give way?

Answer 1

Any powered vessel must give way to a boat under sail power. The main reason is maneuverability as the sail boat cannot reverse its sails in order to stop. Since the sailboat is dependent entirely on the wind for power it simply just cannot go in any direction like a powered craft can.

Answer 2

If the sailboat has a motor and is using it, it should give way to any only-sail vessel. In general, sailboats have right of way over motorboats. Exceptions are when the other boat or ship is too large to be maneuverable (such as in channels), is having difficulty, or is being overtaken by the sailboat, among others.

When two sailboats are on opposite tacks - the boat on starboard tack has the right of way.

Anytime sailboats are on the same tack the boat most to leeward has the right of way.

When any boat is passing another boat, the passing boat gives way

When two motor boats approach each other head on, both boats turn to the right and pass each other port to port.

When motor boats paths cross, the boat on the left is the give way boat. This is like cars at a 4-way stop, except that the give way boat would alter course to go behind the other boat.

Answer 3

A sailboat has right of way only when under sail. If the sail boat is motoring, it is treated as a power boat.