Harvey Mudd College Sailing Club

Basic Right-Of-Way Rules in order of Precedence

1. A vessel which is running free shall keep out of the way of a vessel which is close-hauled.
   
   
2. A vessel which is close-hauled on the port tack shall keep out of the way cf a vessel which is close-hauled on the starboard tack.
   
   
3. When both are running free, with the wind on different sides, the vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other.
   
   
4. When both are running free, the vessel which is to the windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to the leeward.
   
   
5. A vessel which has the wind aft shall keep out of the way of the other vessel.
   
   
6. Every Vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the overtaken vessel regardless of the rules above.
   
   
7. When a powered vessel and a sailing vessel are proceeding in a direction that involves a risk of collision, the powered vessel shall keep out of the way of the sailing vessel. (Do NOT assume that all power boat operators know and follow this rule!)
   
   
8. Most important of all, when a serious collision is imminent, all boats involved must do their utmost to avoid it, regardless of any rule or right-of-way situation.