Sailboats and Other Vessels

When you're out on the water it's a good idea to put yourself in the place of the other boaters. Ask yourself, "What are the other boater's expectations?" Be considerate. Coming too close or staying in one area for a prolonged period can easily ruin another boater's experience.

Sailboats, sailboards, canoes, rowboats, and other boats not propelled by mechanical power are stand-on vessels when encountering personal watercraft except when they are overtaking the PWC. They are not as easy or quick to maneuver as powered vessels. Large, deep-daft ships have even less maneuverability, requiring very large distances to stop or turn. Never underestimate the speed and power of these vessels. Stay well clear of these ships or commercial shipping channels. The Rules of the Road are very clear on the fact that vessels operating in marine traffic channels are the stand-on vessels.

Smaller recreational powerboats should avoid deep-draft ships. PWC operators have even greater incentive to keep clear because they are almost impossible to see from the bridges of large ships.

Sailboats Approaching One Another

While there are specific rules for when a power boat encounters a sailboat there are also rules governing the two sailboats approaching one another.

Wind on Same Side
When two sailboats under sail are approaching one another with the wind on the same side, the leeward (traveling in the direction towards which the wind is blowing) sailboat is the stand-on boat.

Wind on Different Side
When two sailboats under sail are approaching one another, (head-on), with the wind on different sides, the sailboat with the wind on its (right) or starboard side, is the stand-on boat and must maintain course and speed.