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;

(iii) if a vessel with the wind on the port side sees a vessel to windward and cannot determine with certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on the port or on the starboard side, she shall keep out of the way of the other.

(b) For the purpose 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 fore and aft sail is carried.

Rule 12 applies only between two sailing vessels, although an appreciation of the principles outlined, enables you to understand better the close-quarters manoeuvring antics of yachts and dinghies, especially when they are racing one another.  However, it would be foolish to get so close as to rely on their accurate compliance for your own vessel’s safety.  Remember that the crew of a dinghy or yacht may well have their view obscured by the sails; and that although their method of propulsion is quieter than your own, they will not necessarily hear you either.

This rule is perhaps the most complicated instruction within the Steering & Sailing Rules and it is often asked why commercial seamen have to learn and/or understand this rule at all.  The answer is simple.  Are you always going to be an OOW on a large power-driven vessel?  Remember, that there are quite a few large cruise ships operating around the world that have sails and are therefore sailing ships in the truest sense of the word.  In addition, you may get the opportunity to serve on other sailing ships, such as with the Sail Training Association’s ships.

Fortunately, the directions which apply to power-driven vessels are much easier, both to understand and to remember.

Audio file:

Rule-13