Sailing right of way trainer
The navigation rules decide who holds course (the stand-on vessel) and who maneuvers (the give-way vessel). Learn the rules, then run the saved stand-on/give-way trainer until port/starboard, windward/leeward, overtaking, motorsailing, and channel exceptions feel automatic.
Saved stand-on/give-way trainer
Ten ASA 101 skipper decisions based on the USCG Navigation Rules. Progress is saved locally as asa101.rightOfWay.v1 and can be exported from the progress backup page.
Weak review
The mindset first
The stand-on vessel holds course and speed so the other boat can plan around her. The give-way vessel acts early and obviously — a big, clear turn beats a subtle one. And rule zero overrides everything: everyone must avoid a collision, even the stand-on vessel, if it comes to that.
Rule 1 — opposite tacks: starboard stands on
When two sailboats approach on opposite tacks, the boat with the wind over her port side (port tack) keeps clear. The starboard-tack boat stands on. Remember which tack you're on at all times — it's the first thing a crossing situation asks of you.
Rule 2 — same tack: windward gives way
Two boats on the same tack: the windward boat (closer to the wind) keeps clear of the leeward boat. The leeward boat's sails can be blanketed and her options are fewer, so she stands on.
Rule 3 — overtaking: the overtaker always keeps clear
Any vessel overtaking another keeps clear until she is finally past and clear — sail or power, no exceptions. Yes, that includes a sailboat overtaking a powerboat. Overtaking beats every other rule.
Rule 4 — power gives way to sail (usually)
A power-driven vessel keeps clear of a vessel under sail in open water. The exceptions matter, and the test loves them. Sailboats must keep clear of:
- any vessel they are overtaking (Rule 3 wins),
- large vessels constrained by their draft or in a narrow channel — never impede a ship that can't maneuver; cross well astern,
- vessels engaged in fishing with nets or gear restricting them,
- vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver or not under command.
The motorsailing trap
A sailboat with its engine on and in gear is a power-driven vessel under the rules, even with every sail flying. The moment you click into gear, you take on a powerboat's give-way duties. This is one of the most reliably missed questions on the test.
Quick reference
| Situation | Who keeps clear |
|---|---|
| Sailboats on opposite tacks | The port-tack boat |
| Sailboats on the same tack | The windward boat |
| One vessel overtaking another | The overtaking vessel, always |
| Sail vs power, open water | The power-driven vessel |
| Sailboat vs ship in a narrow channel | The sailboat — don't impede |
| Motorsailing sailboat vs sailboat under sail | The motorsailer (she counts as power) |
Sources used for the trainer
- USCG Navigation Rules: Rule 12 sailing vessels, Rule 13 overtaking, Rule 16 give-way action, Rule 17 stand-on action, Rule 18 responsibilities between vessels.
- 33 CFR Part 83: the current federal navigation-rules text for inland waters.
- BoatUS Foundation Rules of the Road: beginner-friendly explanations of stand-on, give-way, crossing, meeting, and overtaking situations.