How to Sail a Boat : Right of Way & Other Boats: Free Online Sailing Lessons

A sailing instructor discusses how to deal with other boats while sailing. Learn how to sail with the wind in this free online video lesson on sailing.

Expert: Tyler Pierce
Contact: offshoresailing.com
Bio: Tyler Pierce is the Northern Regional Operations Manager and Sail Instructor of the Offshore Sailing School at Liberty Landing in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Filmmaker: Tom DiDonato

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• sailing
• boat
• sail
• ship
• yacht
• how
• to
• basics
• lessons
• terms
• instruction
• free
• video

[bronco263]

I know you're all expert's there at the village, and I've watched many of your video's. Very informative too, but why are they so short and how about numbering the one's of the same series so they are easier to navagate. Thank's for the info.

[CaptainVasily]

@DJrew : Under the rules, a "fishing vessel" is NOT the same as a "power-driven vessel," or what I meant by "power boat." In fact, a "fishing vessel" is only a "fishing vessel" while engaged in fishing, with gear out and can be propelled by sail or power. As far as sport fishing, Trolling is NEVER classified under the rules as a vessel engaged in fishing.

[DJrew]

@CaptainVasily That is true for general pleasure boats but fishing vessels are different. A fishing vessel with gear out has right of way over everything, including sailboats, except a boat in distress (runaway, no steering, etc). Even oil tankers must divert, except in a traffic lane. As far as I know this is only for commercial fishing vessels though. I'm not sure about sport fishing.

[Myrtone]

Have you ever wondered why no such hiarachy exists with the give way rules for road traffic?

[CaptainVasily]

@icefisherman : The sailboat, while being propelled by sails and not an engine (or combination of both), MUST give way to a powerboat ONLY while OVERTAKING that powerboat. In all other situations, the powerboat must give way to the sailboat while both are underway, regardless of the speed of either. Yes, this is "written in stone."

[icefisherman]

I came here looking for some info on sailboat right of way, and you may have answered my question. With the sailboat being faster than the bowerboat, is that an "in stone" rule or more of a courtesy thing. reason for asking is I troll around 2 mph and have sailboats just about running me over. I do my best to give right of way, but at that speed i can only do so much. This is inland also if that makes any difference. Thanks for the help!