Carl H. Clark

Before stating the rules certain definitions of the terms used are necessary. A boat is on the starboard tack when she has the wind on the starboard (right) side, and is on the port tack when she has the wind on the port (left) side.

A boat is close hauled when she has her sails trimmed in closely, and is sailing as closely as possible to the direction from which the wind is blowing. A boat is running free when she has the wind nearly aft, and is sailing with the wind, and in nearly the same direction, with the main boom at about a right angle with the hull. A boat is reaching when she has the wind about abeam, and the boom at an angle of about 45° with the hull.

The rules for avoiding collision between sailing yachts are as follows: A yacht which is close hauled on either the port or starboard tack has the right of way over one which is running free. A yacht which is sailing before the wind can easily change her course in any direction, while one which is close hauled cannot alter her course without loss to herself. A boat which is running free must keep clear of every other boat.

A boat which is' close hauled on the starboard tack has the right of way over a boat close hauled on the port tack, and also over a boat which is running free. When two boats are running free or "reaching " on opposite tacks, the boat with the wind on the starboard side has the right of way over the other. If they are reaching on the same tack, the boat to leeward, or farthest from the point from which the wind is blowing, has the right of way, and the windward boat, or the one nearest the wind must keep clear. If, however, the windward boat was in danger of going ashore, the other must give way upon being requested. If they are running directly before the wind, with main booms slacked well off, the boat which has hers over the port side is virtually on the starboard tack and has the right of way.

When one boat is overtaking another the overtaking boat must keep clear. The overtaken boat must not, however, change her course after any part of the overtaking boat overlaps any part of her hull or rigging. A sailing vessel or yacht should have the right of way over a steamer or launch. It must be borne in mind, as in the rules for launches, that these rules are for guidance alone, and do not give the boat having the right of way any excuse for doing damage to an offending boat. It is also unwise for a small boat to attempt to enforce her right of way over a large boat; the small boat, being more easily handled, would best keep clear.

When sailing in a fog, a sharp lookout is kept, and the fog horn sounded : - When on the star-board tack, one blast at short intervals; when on the port tack, two successive blasts, and when running free, three successive blast. For night sailing the same lights, red on the port side and green on the starboard, may be carried, as described in the first chapter; no white light, however is carried. The same rules for judging of the position of an approaching boat apply as before, and right of way given as in sailing by day.