Rules of the road for sailors?

Question

Hello,

I read these rules but the language from this website is too elaborate for a newbie like me to put into understanding. Maybe it's concepts of wind that I'll need to understand first but if you could remember when you learned about grasping these rules, perhaps you could share with me? Thankyou

Answer 1

Starboard=Right, Port=Left...for a newbie...just match the words with the fewest letters and most letters together.

SAILING...if wind is from the right, you are right...lefty is left out. That is to say...wind from Port...Port Tack...has no rights.

However, if on Starboard and a port tack boat is not giving way...you can't just drive into them. You correct to miss and in a race you would win a Protest.

Collision Regulations...avoid contact at all times regardless of propulsion. Take/make corrective measures to avoid collision at the earliest possible oppurtunity.

A copy of Chapmans is $70 but worth having....there a lot of rules....for passing...approaching...giving a signal(horn) when passing...etc.

Answer 2

If you are a sail driven vessel the point of sail you are on will effect how you approach other vessels and how they will approach you. There a many publications such as Chapman's Piloting and The Annapolis Book of Seamanship that will explain in plain language. You must have some understanding of the standard rules of the road to avoid serious mishap such as collision. It is like trying to drive a car without any knowledge of traffic rules and regulations. Take some time to learn to avoid embarrassment or worse!

Answer 3

All boats, except small daysailors, are required to have a copy of the Rules of the Road aboard.  Suggest you take a USCG Aux course covering this subject.  I also suggest you get a copy of the Int'l Yacht Racing Rules  if you plan on sailing in regattas.

Answer 4

There are hundreds of rules of the road for sailors.

Do you have one in particular that you are thinking of?

How about right of way:

Boat on starboard tack has the right of way.

Boat clear ahead has right of way.

The leeward boat has right of way.

Answer 5

> Maybe it's concepts of wind that I'll need to understand first

Yes, unless you know what port tack and starboard tack are you haven't got a hope of understanding the colregs. Still, you might find this http://www.sailtrain.co.uk/Irpcs/index.s... useful.