Right of Way Meaning in Sailing

Right of way defines which vessel has the legal priority to maintain its course and speed when two boats are on a collision course. According to the ‘Rules of the Road’ (COLREGs), the boat with the right of way is the ‘stand-on’ vessel, while the other is the ‘give-way’ vessel. One specific example involves a boat on a ‘starboard tack’ having the right of way over a boat on a ‘port tack.’ However, the stand-on vessel still has a legal obligation to take action to avoid a collision if it becomes clear the give-way vessel is not moving. Understanding these rules is the most fundamental requirement for safe operation in shared waters.