The Right of Way
This color tack has the ultimate right of way when two sailboats are approaching each other
What is starboard?
No matter if you are under sail or power, if you approach a boat from behind, you are always designated as this type of vessel.
What is the overtaking vessel?
If two sailboats are on the same tack, this boat must give way because it has a better position relative to the wind.
What is the windward boat?
If a massive cruise ship is coming up behind your small sailboat in open water, this is the boat that is legally required to give way.
What is the cruise ship? (Because it is the overtaking vessel).
This term refers to the vessel that is legally required to maintain its course and speed during an encounter.
What is the stand-on vessel?
This term refers to the vessel that must alter its course or speed to stay clear of another boat.
What is the give-way vessel?
This specific feature on a sailboat determines whether it is legally on a port or starboard tack, regardless of which side the wind is hitting the bow
What is the position of the boom (or mainsail)? (If the boom is on the port side, you are on a starboard tack).