Rules for Collision Prevention

Things to remember when you are racing:

• The boat/board that must keep clear should do so in good time by making a decisive change of course, and should avoid crossing right in front of the other boat/board.
• The boat/board that has right of way should keep its course and speed, but be prepared to give way if the other boat/board does not change course in time.
• Avoid collision at all times, even if you have right of way.

Tips on Sailing:

A boat/board is on the starboard tack when its mainsail is set on the port side.  On the contrary, when its mainsail is set on the starboard side, it is on the port tack.

• When two boats/boards are on opposite tacks, the one on the port tack should keep clear of the one on the starboard tack. (Fig. 1)
• When two boats/boards are on the same tack, the windward one should keep clear of the leeward one. (Fig. 2)
• When one boat/board is overtaking another, it must keep clear of the one being overtaken. (Fig. 3)

Take this quiz to see how well you know the rules for collision prevention:

Wind

Questions:
1.    When A and B meet, which boat/board shall keep clear of the other?
2.    When B and C meet, which boat/board shall keep clear of the other?
3.    When C and D meet, which boat/board shall keep clear of the other?
4.    When B and D meet, which boat/board shall keep clear of the other?
5.    When C and E meet, which boat/board shall keep clear of the other?
6.    When C and F meet, which boat/board shall keep clear of the other?

Answers: 1.    A, for it is on port tack. 2.    C, for it is on port tack. 3.    C, for it is on port tack. 4.    B, for it is sailing to windward. 5.    E, for it is sailing to windward. 6.    C, for it is on port tack.