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Two approaching sailing vessels have the wind on the same side

Two approaching sailing vessels have the wind on the same side

  • Description of scenario: Vessel A: sailing vessel
    Vessel B: sailing vessel
    Area: On the high seas
    Visibility: Good (Vessels in sight of one another)
    Vessel A and vessel B are approaching one another, so as to involve risk of collision
    Vessel A and vessel B have the wind on the same side
    Vessel A is at the winward side and vessel B is at the leeward side
  • Rule(s) to be applied: Rule 12 (Sailing vessels)
  • Applying the Rule(s) and comments: In accordance with Rule 12 (a)(ii) (Sailing vessels), when two sailing vessel are approaching one another, so as to involve risk of collision and when both have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward (vessel A) shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward (vessel B).
    In accordance with Rule 12 (b) (Sailing vessels), the windward side shall be deemed to be the side opposite to that on which the mainsail is carried or, in the case of a square rigged vessel, the side opposite to that on which the largest fore-and-aft sail is carried.
  • Bird’s-eye view:

    © Transas Marine International

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This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.