SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/boat-power-gives-way-to-sail

A powerboat and a sailboat under sail are on a collision course in open water. Which one generally gives way?

The powerboat.

  1. The powerboat ✔
  2. The sailboat
  3. Whichever one is bigger

Why: Inland Rule 18 says a power-driven vessel underway keeps out of the way of a sailing vessel. Narrow channels and overtaking are exceptions, where other rules take over.

Huh, didn't know that: A sailboat under sail must itself keep out of the way of a vessel fishing with nets or trawls that limit its maneuvering.

The dad joke
Why don't sharks eat clowns? Because they taste funny.
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Sources

  1. 33 CFR 83.18 Responsibilities between vessels, Inland Rule 18 (eCFR) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-83.18
  2. 33 CFR 83.03 General definitions, Inland Rule 3 (eCFR) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-83.03

Test yourself in the game

Boating & WaterA sailboat moving under sail alone at night shows which lights?Boating & WaterA sailboat has its sails up but is also running its engine. Under the Navigation Rules, it counts as what?Boating & WaterTwo powerboats are crossing paths. Which one must keep out of the way?

That's stuff everyone should know.