ROR - Rule 12 Sailing Vessels

Section II – Conduct of vessel in sight of one another

Rule 12 - Sailing vessels

(a) When two sailing vessels are approaching one another, so as to involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the other as follows:

(i) when each has the wind on a different side, the vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other;

(ii) when both have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward;

(b) For the purposes of this Rule 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 for-and-aft sail is carried.


Questions & Answers

Q1. In the following sketches which sailing vessel is the Give way vessel?

A1. The red sailing vessel is the Give way vessel as he has the wind on his port side.


Q2.  In the following sketches which sailing vessel is the Give way vessel?

A2. The green sailing vessel is the give way vessel as he is to windward of the other vessel.


Q3.  In the following sketches which sailing vessel is the Give way vessel?

A3. The red sailing vessel is the give way vessel as he is to windward of the other vessel.


Q4.  In the following sketches which sailing vessel is the Give way vessel?

A4. The red sailing vessel is the give way vessel, if he is unsure if the sailing vessel to windward has the wind on his port or starboard side.


Q5. On a sailing vessel, what is deemed as the windward side?
A5. For the purposes of this Rule the windward side shall be deemed to be the side opposite 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.


Q6. Define the point of sailing of a sailing vessel.

A6. Point of sailing - Side on which vessel catches the wind


Main points of sailing

Port tack: wind on port side, sails over starboard

Starboard tack: wind on starboard, sails over port