What you must remember as the captain of a SAILING vessel when you are in sight of another vessel.

If both vessels are running free with the wind on the SAME side, then the WINDWARD vessel must remain clear of the other vessel.

If a sailing vessel with the wind on the PORT side sees another sailing vessel to windward but can’t tell if the vessel has wind to the PORT or STARBOARD side, it is her duty to stay out of the way!

If your sailing vessel encounters a power driven vessel, then the power driven one must stay out of the way EXCEPT when you are over taking the power boat.

When one vessel is 22.5° abaft the beam she is permitted to overtake the other vessel. Also she must be able to see the STERN lights of the other vessel.

When you are the overtaking vessel you are relieved of the duty to keep clear after you are past and totally clear of the other vessel.

When your vessel is approaching another vessel near head on you and the other one should alter your courses to STARBOARD.

If two power driven vessels are in a near head on situation both are required to alter course.

Hugh Simpson