When you are learning to sail, one of the most important safety skills is understanding how boats should behave when they meet on the water. Just like roads have traffic rules, the sea has internationally recognised navigation rules designed to prevent collisions. These rules are known as the COLREGs, the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. The most important principle behind them is simple: avoiding a collision always comes first. Even if you technically have priority, you should never continue on a dangerous course simply because you believe the other vessel should move.
When two sailing boats approach each other, the wind direction determines which vessel should give way. If one boat has the wind coming from the port side and the other from the starboard side, the boat on port tack must keep clear. A useful rule to remember is: port tack gives way to starboard tack. If both boats are on the same tack, the windward boat gives way to the leeward boat. In simple terms, the boat closer to where the wind is coming from should keep clear.
When one vessel is overtaking another, the overtaking vessel is responsible for keeping out of the way. This applies whether the boats are sailing or using engines. If you are approaching another vessel from behind, you should pass at a safe distance and make your intentions clear. In most normal open-water situations, a power-driven vessel should also keep clear of a sailing vessel. However, this does not mean that a sailing boat always has priority. Large commercial ships, vessels restricted by their draught, fishing vessels and vessels with limited manoeuvrability may not be able to change course easily, so small sailing boats should always give them plenty of room.
When two power-driven vessels cross and there is a risk of collision, the vessel that has the other boat on its starboard side should give way. A simple way to remember this is that if you see another vessel on your right, you normally need to keep clear. In a head-on situation, both power-driven vessels should alter course to starboard so that they pass port side to port side. These manoeuvres should be made early and clearly, rather than at the last moment.
Navigation rules work best when everyone behaves predictably. Keep a good lookout, monitor other vessels early and avoid sudden or confusing course changes. Leave enough space between your boat and other traffic, and never rely only on the idea of “right of way”. The safest sailor is not the one who insists on priority, but the one who recognises danger early and takes sensible action to avoid it.
The rules of encounter are an essential foundation for safe sailing, but real situations can be more complex. Weather, visibility, narrow channels, commercial traffic and local regulations can all affect what you should do. When in doubt, slow down, create more distance and focus on avoiding the collision.
