Avoiding collisions

Starboard-Tack Rule

A sailing boat that is on starboard tack (with the boom to port) has the right of way over a boat on port tack. A boat on port tack (with the boom to starboard) must give way to a starboard-tack boat.

Marking Your Boom

Mark your boom "Starboard - OK" on the starboard side and "Port - Give Way" on the port side. This will remind you which tack you are on and the give way rule that applies.

Sailing Boats On Opposite Tacks

The boat on the port tack alters its course to pass behind the boat on the starboard tack.

Sailing Boats On The Same Tack

The windward boat must keep clear and steers to pass behind the leeward boat.