Do sailboats have right of way over all other ships?

Question

For example if you have a 35' cruising sailboat can you just stay on your course and big tankers and stuff have to make way for you?

Answer 1

NO.

Answer 2

a complex answer is pointless because you don't really have time to think of complexities in the event of an inevitable collision. Here is the rule:

A boat by power of sail has right of way over any pleasure craft under power of motor. A boat under the power of sail has   no right of way over commercial craft.

More important rule (from racing but applicable) avoid collision at all costs.

This should keep you afloat!

Answer 3

No, you had better alter your course or you will end up on the bottom of the ocean. On inland waters, if you are under sail and no power the sail boat has the right of way over a power boat. What do you think it takes to turn a big tanker verses turning a sailboat or a power boat.

Answer 4

Theoretically, yes, you have the right of way, but only if you are under sail, not power.  However, you must realize that it takes a loaded tanker moving at 6 knots almost 1/2 mile to stop under full reverse.  It also needs about 1/10 mile for steering to take full effect to change course.  Best to give plenty of leeway when sailing in busy shipping lanes.  I doubt even a 35 ft sailboat would win in a chicken fight with a tanker.

Answer 5

No, I don't think so. Good question though! How is your wife doing?

Good day!

Pearl

Answer 6

No they do not, that is a false assumtion made by many.

Certain vessels have priority and take precedence in right of way rules.

1)Vessels not under command. Example, a runaway vessel or a vessel that has lost power.

2)Vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver because of size or draft. Example, a ship or dredge, a towboat with a tow.

3)Vessels engaged in trawling operations.

4)Sailboat under sail or manually powered boats.

5)Power vessel.

6)Sea plane.

And any vessel, even if it has the "right of way" is required by law to do all that is needed to avoid a collision

Answer 7

You need to read the COLREGS, the rules of the road.

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/...

The answer(s) is (are) more complicated that your question makes it out to be.

Answer 8

Nope, sorry all commercial traffic has the right of way.

Not as a matter of the rules of the road, but in terms of agility, who can turn away easier?

These guys have enough headaches, stay clear, well clear.

Edit: Mark T., good point I forgot, you are obligated to avoid collisions.

Answer 9

The short answer is NO!

You must learn the International Rules for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) before you put to sea. You can learn all you need to know from the link below. And don't be put of because it's a UK site, the COLREGS are international and mandatory.

Answer 10

Umm.. no, the sail gets right of way over powered is only when considering inland waterways, like Lake Erie.  for reasons pointed out above, a tanker takes long distances to make a reasonable turn, where as even a 35' sailboat can turn 180 in a few hundred yards. so give right away to bigger boats, powered doesnt even really come into it. a bigger sailboat would still have a much larger turning area than a smaller one so should still be given right away. one person once said that it is up to all captains to refrain from collisions, not just who has the right of way or not. a good place to find boating tips is linked below.

Answer 11

Not in many circumstances really.   Only in open water if the ship isn't restricted by draft, in a traffic seperation scheme, doing some type of work like trawling or undersea work or bouy tending, or a military vessel or coming at you from the starboard side.   Large ships will usually turn out of the way since they want a much wider seperation between you and them than you care about and you can't move fast enough to give it to them even if you did care, but often the wheelman is making coffee for the mate and the mate is working (playing) on the computer so watch out no matter what around ships.