If two sailing vessels are running free with the wind on the same side, which vessel must keep clear?

If two sailing vessels are running free with the wind on the same side, which vessel must keep clear?

• A. The one to leeward
• B. Both must keep clear
• C. The one to windward
• D. Neither must keep clear

Answer: (C)

When two sailing vessels are on the same tack and the wind is blowing from the same side, the vessel that is upwind (to windward) must keep clear of the other. The reason is that the windward vessel has limited maneuvering room because the sails are filled from that direction, making it harder to alter course quickly without risking gybes or becoming entangled with the other vessel. The leeward vessel has the wind more from its side and can usually adjust course more freely, so it has the right of way. Therefore, in this scenario the windward vessel bears the duty to take action to avoid a collision.

When two sailing vessels are on the same tack and the wind is blowing from the same side, the vessel that is upwind (to windward) must keep clear of the other. The reason is that the windward vessel has limited maneuvering room because the sails are filled from that direction, making it harder to alter course quickly without risking gybes or becoming entangled with the other vessel. The leeward vessel has the wind more from its side and can usually adjust course more freely, so it has the right of way. Therefore, in this scenario the windward vessel bears the duty to take action to avoid a collision.