The starboard tack vessel has the right of way when two sailing vessels meet.

Two sailboats meet on a bright morning, their white sails catching the breeze like flags. One boat has the wind come over its right side, the other over its left. In that moment, a simple rule keeps the scene from turning into a collision: the vessel on the starboard tack has the right of way. In plain terms, when two sailing vessels cross paths, the starboard-tack boat goes first, and the port-tack boat yields.

Let me explain why this rule exists and how it plays out in real life, because it’s one of those quiet, dependable guidelines that sailors lean on when the seas get busy.

What does starboard tack really mean?

• Starboard tack is all about wind direction. If the wind is coming over the starboard side (the right side when you’re looking forward), you’re on starboard tack.

• Port tack is the opposite: the wind comes over the port side (the left side) and the vessel is considered to be on port tack.

• The main idea is simple: the tack—where the wind is coming from—determines who has the right of way.

Here’s the thing about right of way in sailing: it’s not about who started the contact, it’s about who is in the legally preferred position at the moment of meeting. The rule is designed to create predictability. When two sailing vessels approach, there’s a lot of wind, water, and human judgment at play. A clear, agreed-upon rule helps everyone know what to do without a loud exchange or a frantic last-minute maneuver.

Why starboard tack has priority

• Consistency and safety: The rule gives an unambiguous decision point. If both boats are on opposite tacks, the starboard-tack boat has the right of way. This reduces confusion and reduces the risk of collision.

• It’s not about size or speed: The correct rule isn’t about who’s bigger, who has the faster boat, or who looks more imposing. Size does not grant priority here. The priority is purely about tack.

• It isn’t about windward or leeward alone: While many sailors talk about windward and leeward positions, those terms describe where you are relative to the wind. The prioritized factor when crossing paths is which boat is on starboard tack.

A quick mental model you can use on the water

• Think of the wind as the referee. If you’re on starboard tack, you have the benefit of the referee’s signal—the wind is coming from your right. If you’re on port tack, you need to be especially mindful of boats coming from the opposite tack.

• If you’re on starboard tack, you generally keep your course and let the port-tack boat maneuver to avoid you.

• If you’re on port tack, you should adjust course to stay clear of the starboard-tack vessel. It’s not a race to see who bends first; it’s a shared obligation to prevent a collision.

A practical picture, not just a rulebook line

Imagine two boats crossing paths. Boat A is on starboard tack, its wind coming from its right. Boat B is on port tack, wind coming from its left. Boat A has the right of way. Boat B must keep clear, even if Boat B seems to be coming in at a smaller angle or appears to be traveling more slowly. The priority is about wind direction and tack, not about aggression or speed.

That said, there are important caveats and safe practices that every sailor should keep in mind. Rules exist to be followed, but good seamanship prevents situations from getting risky in the first place.

• Don’t rely on rules alone. Even when you have the right of way, a collision can happen if your actions are abrupt or unexpected. A predictable, smooth change of course helps both boats align on a safe path.

• Keep a lookout. The rule about starboard tack is strongest when both boats are paying attention. If visibility is limited by glare, fog, or rough water, extra caution becomes part of good seamanship.

• Communicate when appropriate. In some situations, a light signal or a quick change of course communicated by one boat can clear up potential confusion. Clear, courteous signaling is rarely a bad idea.

Common misconceptions that sneak in

• Size equals priority. It’s a natural instinct to think the bigger boat has the right of way, but that’s not how it works here. A smaller vessel on starboard tack can have priority over a larger vessel on port tack.

• Leeward means safe. Being downwind or upwind isn’t the deciding factor. It’s all about which tack you’re on and where the wind is coming from.

• Windward means automatic caution. While windward positions can influence the sensation of control, the essential rule remains: starboard tack has priority over port tack.

Real-world practice, even when the water’s calm

Let’s switch to something a bit more tangible. Picture a marina, a coast guard lookout, and a pair of racing skiffs skimming along a busy channel. One skiff is on starboard tack, tacking across the other’s path. The starboard-tack skiff keeps its line, perhaps a slight adjustment here and there to stay clear. The port-tack skiff, recognizing the right of way rule, eyes the starboard-tack boat, slows just a touch, and waits for a safer window to cross. No drama, just a practiced rhythm that keeps the water safe for everyone.

If you’re new to this, the mental load can feel a bit abstract at first. But here’s a way to internalize it without overthinking:

• Remember the word “starboard.” It’s the right-hand side of the boat when facing forward. If the other boat’s wind is coming from its right, you’re on starboard tack, and they must yield if you cross paths with them.

• Practice makes familiarity. In calm conditions, visualize the wind lines and which boat would yield. With time, you’ll see the pattern faster than you can raise a sail.

A few quick, memorable tips

• If you’re unsure who has the right of way, assume you’re the port-tack vessel and give way. It’s a safe default, especially in busy waters.

• Keep your eyes on the other boat’s course and speed. Tiny steering adjustments can prevent a near-miss.

• Use fine motor skills for precise steering rather than sharp, sweeping turns. Smooth movements are more predictable and less likely to surprise the other sailor.

• Remember that even with the starboard-tack priority, both vessels share the responsibility to avoid collisions. The rule helps, but good judgment keeps you safe.

A little historical flavor to round things out

The COLREGs are built on centuries of maritime experience. Sailors learned early on that a predictable framework beats chaos at sea. The starboard-tack priority has endured because it gives everyone a common starting point. It reduces ambiguity—crucial when you’re dealing with wind shifts, changing currents, and multiple boats converging at once. Rules evolve, but the core idea stays simple and practical: if the wind comes from that vessel’s right side, that vessel has the right of way.

So, the answer to the question is straightforward: The vessel on starboard tack wins the right of way when two sailing vessels meet. The other vessel must keep clear. It’s one of those rules that feels almost like common sense once you’re out on the water, but it’s really the result of careful thinking about how people move around each other in a shared space.

To wrap it up, a quick recap you can tuck away in your memory:

• Starboard tack means wind over the right side; that vessel has the right of way.

• Port tack means wind over the left side; that vessel must keep clear of the starboard-tack boat.

• Size isn’t a factor; the decision rests on the tack and wind direction, not on who looks bigger or faster.

• Even with priority, good seamanship matters: stay alert, communicate when needed, and make smooth, predictable adjustments.

If you ever find yourself watching two boats glide past each other, you’ll notice the same quiet choreography in action. The wind tells the story, the starboard-tack boat holds its line, and the other boat yields with a courteous bow to safety. It’s a small action on the surface, but it sits at the heart of safe, respectful navigation on the water. And that’s the kind of knowledge that makes sailing feel less like a risk and more like a shared, confident adventure.