What is the right of way when under sail?

• A. The boat on a port tack has the right of way
• B. The boat on a starboard tack has the right of way
• C. The larger boat always has the right of way
• D. The boat closest to the wind has the right of way

Answer: (B)

The principle of right of way when under sail, particularly in a sailing context, dictates that the boat on a starboard tack has the right of way. A starboard tack is when the wind is coming from the starboard side of the boat, and the sail is trimmed in such a way that the boat is sailing with the wind over the starboard side. This rule is rooted in promoting safety and predictability on the water, allowing sailors to anticipate the behavior of other boats.

When two sailing vessels are approaching each other, the boat on the starboard tack is generally required to maintain its course, while the boat on the port tack must give way to avoid collisions. This is a fundamental rule of sailing that helps to ensure that interactions between vessels are as safe and orderly as possible, especially in busy sailing areas.

Understanding this rule is crucial for sailors to navigate effectively and avoid accidents on the water. The other options, while they may reflect different aspects of sailing rules or misconceptions, do not apply in the context of right of way between boats sailing close to each other.