answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

The general rule is that the close hauled vessel (regardless of tack) has right of way over vessels running. There would be exceptions. If the vessel coming downwind in a channel is so large that it must remain in the channel and the vessel beating to windward on the port tack is small enough to sail outside the channel, the confined vessel has the right of way, even if it is a power boat. If the boat "on a port tack" is broad on the wind and is being overtaken by a vessel running directly downwind, the running vessel is overtaking and must yield. If the vessel broad on a port tack is overtaking, then it must yield. Similarly, sail has right of way over power, except when overtaking and except when the power boat is a ship that cannot maneuver as quickly or is involved in fishing. Regardless of which vessel has the right of way, the general prudential rule always applies: if you can avoid a collision you must. If collision is imminent, both vessels are burdened. One needs to be realistic. A downwind vessel may drop all sail, but without dropping anchor will still move with the wind, whereas a beating vessel will stop much more quickly once sail is dropped. The privileged vessel is supposed to maintain course and speed not as a matter of rights, but as a courtesy to the burdened vessel so it can reasonably predict a safe way to avoid collision. === === Aren't there further limitations for disabled vessel, vessel out of control, vessel towing barges, and seaplane? I'm a little rusty. By the 2009 rules of sailing, if the boat that is coming down wind is on starboard tack, then it has the right of way (port/starboard rule), but if the boat that is coming down wind is on port tack, then the leeward boat has right of way (windward/leeward). Also, smaller vessels have rights over larger ones, but it a good idea, as the previous answerer stated as well, to avoid collisions at (almost) all costs.

There is a generally accepted rule that the more maneuverable boat should stay clear of the less maneuverable one. You must avoid collisions at all costs, so if a vessel is disabled, out of control, etc. then they should be avoided/helped.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: If a sail boat is coming down wind in a channel and another boat is on a port tack who has the right of way?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

A boat operating in a narrow channel is required to keep as close as is safe to what side of the channel?

to the right or your starboard side


If you see a red and green and white light on another boat what does this tell you?

Its a motor boat, coming straight against you.


Is Elliot coming back to Deadliest Catch 2013?

He won't be on the RR. He has another boat now. Don't know if they'll film the boat though


Which is the proper route to take when overtaking another craft?

The boat coming from behind has no rights. It must overtake the slower boat safely whichever side it chooses.


How do you get to the Channel Islands?

Airoplane or boat


L you're operating a boat at night you see green and white lights on another boat what do they like to tell you?

You're on that boat's right ("starboard") side, and the other boat is not lying at anchor.


How can you get to Ireland from France?

Boat, Eurostar or plane. You can take the eurostar or a boat to cross the channel into England and then another boat to Ireland. Or a boat directly to Ireland, which would make much mre sense. But in the eurostar case it only crosses the channel. Or a plane straight to any of the airports all over Ireland, which makes most sense as it would be cheeper, quicker and less hassel.


Can you get from the thames to Bristol channel by boat?

Yes


What is a boat ramp?

A boat ramp is an inclined slab or channel, from which small boats are launched.


What is the risk when a Personal watercraft passes too closely behind another boat?

The other boat may create a blind spot for the PWC operator. This is the right answer trust me ... i got it right :D


A boat operating in a narrow channel is required to keep close to what side of the channel?

Starboard side


What do you do when you see a red buoy?

Keep it off of the right side of the boat. A red buoy usually marks the right side of the channel when you are returning from the sea or going upstream. You can remember it by the saying, red, right, returning.Keep it on your right when heading upstream