Rules of the Road · Steering & Sailing Rules
A sailing vessel sees another sailing vessel to windward but cannot determine whether that vessel has the wind on the port or starboard side. Under Rule 12, the vessel to leeward shall:
- ASound five short blasts and maintain course and speed
- BKeep out of the way of the vessel to windward✓ Correct
- CAssume the other vessel is on starboard tack and give way accordingly
- DReduce speed until the windward vessel's tack can be determined
Explanation
Rule 12(b) addresses this ambiguous situation: if the leeward vessel cannot determine which side the windward vessel has the wind on, the leeward vessel keeps out of the way. This is a safety default — the leeward vessel's advantage in determining her own tack means she bears the burden.
Authority: 72 COLREGS Rule 12(b)
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