Handling Sailboat Traffic

In this month’s Rules Corner, we explore the concept of right of way as defined by the 1972 COLREGs as it relates to two sailboats (or more as shown in the picture above) in close quarters and the proper courses of action for each vessel. Which boat has the right of way depends on various factors such as the relative location of one vessel to the other, the direction of the wind, and the use of the auxiliary engine(s).

As we know, there are two types of actions (as it relates to safe navigation). There is either the option to “stand-on” or “give-way”. In the Rules Corner, we will not dive into each of the COLREGs and define what each means for example… meanings of terms are like ‘underway’ (COLREGs Rule 3), what it a safe speed (COLREGs Rule 6), operating your sailboat in a narrow channel and many more. In this article we are focusing our attention on how to avoid a collision of two sailboats across various conditions.

Most discussions around rules usually focus around what each exact rule says. Don’t get me wrong it is absolutely necessary to know all of the rules (as we are all bound by them when we are on the water). That said, this article is taking a different twist on the rules. Rather than the topics being focused on each rule, the article is focused around what do you do in various situations. Because, in fact, when we see another sailboat approaching we don’t immediately say “in this situation, rule X would say that we…” What we usually say is “I’ve got a sailboat doing this… What do I do”. The reference of the latter being focused on the situation versus the former on the rule.

There are five specific situations we will discuss in the article as they relate to two sailboats that are in sight of one another (COLREGs Section 2, Rule 11). They are when one sailboat is windward and the other is leeward (Rule 12), while sailing when one is on a starboard tack and the other is on a port tack (Rule 12), when sailboats are approaching head-on to one another (Rules 12, 14 & 18), when overtaking the another sailboat (Rules 12, 13, & 18), and when one or both sailboats are crossing one another (Rules 12, 15 & 18). Each has specific actions that the give-way vessel and stand-on vessel must do according to the situation. We will review each under each of those situations below,

One sailboat is on a starboard tack and the other on a port tack

Situation: Two vessels who are sailing are approaching one another and there is a risk of collision.

What to check for: Look to see what direction the wind is hitting the other sailboat. This is a key aspect of what to do. For this example, we’ll assume that each sailing vessel has wind on different sides.

Rule: 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 who has the wind on the starboard side. Or said differently, the vessel that is on a starboard tack has the right of way. See illustration for action to take by the give-way vessel.

Note: What happens if you can’t tell if the other vessel is on a starboard tack or a windward tack? Ah, then it’s simple… stay out of the way of the other.

One sailboat is windward and the other is leeward

Situation: Two vessels who are sailing are approaching one another and there is a risk of collision.

What to check for: Look to see what direction the wind is hitting the other sailboat (like the previous example). Similarly, this is a key aspect of what to do. For this example, we’ll assume that each sailing vessel has wind on the same side.

Rule: When both sailing vessels have the wind on the same side, the sailing vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward. See illustration for action to take by the give-way vessel.

Note: What happens if you can’t tell if the other sailing vessel is windward or leeward of your sailing vessel? Answer: same thing as above… stay out of the way of the other.

When one sailboat overtakes another sailboat

Situation: Two sailing vessels are both out motoring and one of them is coming up from behind the other one and is going to overtake that sailboat.

Rule: According to Rule 13, “notwithstanding anything contained in Rules 4 through 18, any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken”.

What to check for: As the rule states, the vessel coming up from behind (i.e., anything more than 22.5° abaft her beam) shall stay out of the way of that vessel. This is pretty simple if there are two sailboats who are both motoring. Now here is where it can become a little tricky. How so? What if both vessels were sailing? Are you both on the same tack? What if one sailing vessel is downwind of the boat that you are overtaking? Is this really an overtaking situation or does it refer back to Rule 12 (i.e., the sailing vessel to windward is to give way)? Just like the previous two examples, prudence would dictate that you stay away from the overtaking vessel.

Note: Important to remember in any circumstance that the overtaking vessel should not cross the overtaken vessel until the overtaking vessel is clear of the overtaken vessel ands is finally past and clear.

Two Sailboats areapproaching each other head on

Situation: Two sailing vessels are both motoring and are coming at one another head on.

Rule: According to Rule 14, “when two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal courses so as to involve the risk of collision, each shall alter her course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other.”

What to check for: Are you both motoring? Is one of you sailing? Are you both sailing?

If you are sailing…

Is the other boat sailing? If yes, then this rule does not apply and you need to then think about 1) What tack are you both and 2) Who is windward. This refers back to Rule 12 on sailing vessels. Remember if you can’t tell, you stay out of the way of the other
Is the other sailboat motoring? If so, pretty simple that Rule 18 applies which states a power driven vessel needs to stay out the way of the sailboat that is sailing

If you are motoring…

Is the other boat sailing? If yes, then you need to stay out of the way of the sailboat that is sailing as the sailing vessel is the stand-on vessel.
Is the other boat motoring? If yes, then you are two motor-driven vessels approaching one another and you need to pass 0n the port side of the other (and sound the appropriate signal (2 short blasts - assuming passing port-to-port).

Note: A common theme is surfacing that if there is any doubt about the above, stay out of the way of the other.

When the two sailboats are set to cross one another

Situation: Two sailing vessels are motoring and are approaching one another and going to cross so as to involve the risk of collision

Rule: According to Rule 15, “When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.

What to check for: First thing to think about is are you sailing or motoring?

If you are sailing…

Is the other boat sailing? If yes, then this rule does not apply and you need to then think about 1) What tack are you both and 2) Who is windward. This refers back to Rule 12 on sailing vessels. Remember if you can’t tell, you stay out of the way of the other
Is the other sailboat motoring? If so, pretty simple that Rule 18 applies which states a power driven vessel needs to stay out the way of the sailboat that is sailing