Master sailing traffic rules through interactive scenarios. Pick the boat with right of way — and learn why.
When two boats are on opposite tacks (wind coming from different sides), the boat on port tack (wind from the left / boom to starboard) must give way to the boat on starboard tack (wind from the right / boom to port). This is the most fundamental rule.
When two boats are on the same tack, the windward boat (closer to the wind source) must keep clear of the leeward boat (further from the wind). The leeward boat has right of way.
A boat that is overtaking another must keep clear of the boat ahead, regardless of tack. The boat being overtaken has right of way.
Sailboats under sail have right of way over powerboats in most situations. However, sailboats must give way to vessels that are restricted in ability to maneuver, fishing vessels with nets out, and vessels constrained by draft.
When a boat sails into the wind shadow of another, the upwind boat is "blanketing" the downwind boat. While not strictly a right-of-way rule, the windward boat in this scenario must keep clear (Rule 2 applies). Stealing wind is considered aggressive and poor etiquette.
Starboard tack: Wind comes over the starboard (right) side; the boom is on the port (left) side.
Port tack: Wind comes over the port (left) side; the boom is on the starboard (right) side.
A boat's tack is determined by which side the wind comes from, not which way it's heading.
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Which boat has right of way?