Sailing Vessels (Rules 12, 18, 25)

Introduction: Privilege and Responsibility

Sailing vessels, due to their reliance on wind and (often) slower maneuverability, are granted a high level of privilege in the vessel hierarchy. However, this privilege is conditional, not absolute.

This lesson details:

• The specific rules that apply to sailing vessels (Rule 12)
• Their responsibilities toward other vessels (Rules 18, 13, 9, and 10)
• Required lights and shapes (Rule 25)
• The legal status of motorsailing

Rule 12: Sailing Vessel vs. Sailing Vessel

When two sailing vessels are approaching each other and risk of collision exists, Rule 12 - Sailing Vessels applies. The "give-way" vessel is determined by their "tack" (which side the wind is coming from).

Rule 12(a)(i) - Opposite Tacks

"When each has the wind on a different side, the vessel which has the wind on the port side (is on a port tack) shall keep out of the way of the other (on a starboard tack)."

Mnemonic: "Starboard tack has right-of-way."

Example

• Vessel A: Wind on starboard side (starboard tack) - Stand-On
• Vessel B: Wind on port side (port tack) - Give-Way

Rule 12(a)(ii) - Same Tack

"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."

Definition (Rule 12(b)): The "windward side" is the side opposite to that on which the mainsail is carried. The "leeward" vessel is the "downwind" boat.

Analysis: The windward boat has "cleaner" air and better control, so it is her responsibility to maneuver and keep clear of the leeward boat.

Example

Both vessels have wind on starboard side (both on starboard tack):

• Vessel A: Windward (upwind) - Give-Way
• Vessel B: Leeward (downwind) - Stand-On

Rule 12(a)(iii) - Rule of Doubt

"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 her port or starboard side, she shall keep out of the way..."

Analysis: The burden of proof is on the port-tack vessel. If a port-tack vessel cannot determine the other vessel's tack with certainty, it must assume it is the give-way vessel and act accordingly.

The "False Privilege" Myth

Many recreational sailors operate under the "false privilege" myth that they always have the right-of-way over power-driven vessels. This is incorrect and extremely dangerous.

Rule 18(a)(iv) states that a power-driven vessel shall keep out of the way of a sailing vessel, EXCEPT in the following common situations.

When a Sailing Vessel LOSES Privilege

A sailing vessel is the give-way vessel and must keep clear when:

1. Overtaking (Rule 13)

Rule 13(a) states "Notwithstanding... Rules 4 through 18," an overtaking vessel shall keep clear.

This "trump card" voids the sailboat's Rule 18 privilege. A sailboat that is overtaking a power-driven vessel is the give-way vessel and must keep clear.

2. In a Narrow Channel (Rule 9)

Rule 9(b) states that a sailing vessel "shall not impede the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel".

The sailboat must:

• Stay to the side of the channel
• Not force a large, constrained vessel to slow down or maneuver
• Monitor large vessel movements
• Take early action to keep well clear

3. In a Traffic Separation Scheme (Rule 10)

While Rule 10(d) allows a sailing vessel to use the Inshore Traffic Zone (ITZ), if it is in a main traffic lane or crossing one, it is not relieved of its obligations under the other rules (Rule 10(a)).

A sailboat in a crossing situation with a vessel on its starboard side must still give way.

4. Higher in the Hierarchy (Rule 18)

A sailing vessel must keep clear of any vessel with higher privilege, including:

• Vessels Not Under Command (NUC)
• Vessels Restricted in Ability to Maneuver (RAM)
• Vessels Engaged in Fishing (FV)

Summary of Lost Privilege

Sailing vessels do NOT have privilege over power-driven vessels when:

• Overtaking
• In narrow channels where larger vessels are constrained
• When other rules (9, 10, 13) apply
• Encountering NUC, RAM, or Fishing vessels

Rule 25: Lights and Shapes for Sailing

Rule 25 defines the lights and shapes a sailing vessel must display.

Standard Lights (Rule 25(a))

A sailing vessel underway shall exhibit:

• Sidelights (red and green)
• Sternlight (white)

Optional Tricolor (Rule 25(b))

A sailing vessel of less than 20 meters may combine these three lights in a single "tricolor" lantern carried at or near the top of the mast.

Advantage: Better visibility, especially in rough seas

Disadvantage: Cannot be used with any other lights

Optional All-Round Lights (Rule 25(c))

A sailing vessel may, in addition to the standard lights (but not in conjunction with the tricolor), exhibit two all-round lights at the masthead: RED over GREEN.

Mnemonic: "Red over Green, Sailing Machine."

Note: This is optional and in addition to required sidelights and sternlight.

Motorsailing (Rule 25(e)): The "Cone of Shame"

This is a critical, and often violated, part of the rules.

Legal Status

A "sailing vessel" is defined as a vessel NOT using its propelling machinery.

The moment a sailboat turns on its engine, it is, by legal definition, a power-driven vessel.

Consequences of Motorsailing

As a power-driven vessel, the motorsailing vessel:

• Loses ALL its sailing privileges
• Must now give way to sailing vessels
• Must follow all crossing rules as a power-driven vessel
• Must comply with Rule 18 as a power-driven vessel (lowest in hierarchy except seaplanes)

Required Day Shape (Rule 25(e))

A vessel "proceeding under sail when also being propelled by machinery shall exhibit forward... a conical shape, apex downwards".

The "Cone of Shame"

This is often called the "cone of shame." Failure to display this cone is a dangerous violation.

Why This Matters

It misrepresents the vessel's legal status. An approaching vessel, seeing only sails, will (correctly) assume it is a sailing vessel and act accordingly.

The motorsailer, failing to display the cone:

• Is misleading other traffic
• Is legally bound to the rules of a powerboat
• Could cause a collision based on false assumptions
• Is in violation of Rule 25(e)

Example Scenario

• Vessel A (motorsailing, no cone displayed): Appears to be sailing vessel
• Vessel B (powerboat): Sees sails, assumes A is sailing vessel, gives way
• Reality: A is legally a power-driven vessel and should be giving way
• Result: Confusion, potential collision, A is at fault for not displaying cone

How to Display Properly

If using engine while sails are up:

1. Display black cone, apex down, in forward part of vessel where it can best be seen
2. Operate as power-driven vessel (follow power vessel rules)
3. Remember you've lost sailing privilege

If sailing only (engine off):

• No cone required
• May display sailing vessel lights
• Have sailing vessel privileges (when applicable per Rules 9, 10, 13, 18)

Common Sailing Vessel Misconceptions

Misconception 1: "I'm sailing, so everyone gives way"

Reality: Only power-driven vessels give way, and ONLY when Rules 9, 10, and 13 don't apply. You must still give way to NUC, RAM, and Fishing vessels.

Misconception 2: "I can motor through this channel, I'm still a sailboat"

Reality: Using engine = power-driven vessel. Must display cone. Lost all sailing privileges. Must comply with narrow channel rules as power vessel.

Misconception 3: "The cone is just a suggestion"

Reality: The cone is a legal requirement under Rule 25(e). Failure to display is a violation that can result in liability for collision.

Misconception 4: "Port tack always gives way to starboard tack"

Reality: This is only true when Rule 12 applies (both vessels are sailing vessels). When encountering power-driven vessels, sailing vessels use Rules 9, 10, 13, and 18.

Misconception 5: "I have sails up, I'm a sailing vessel"

Reality: If engine is engaged, you are a power-driven vessel regardless of sail configuration.

Key Takeaways

Rule 12 (Sailing Vessel vs Sailing Vessel):

• Opposite tacks: Port tack gives way to starboard tack (12a-i)
• Same tack: Windward gives way to leeward (12a-ii)
• Windward side = opposite side from mainsail
• Rule of doubt: Port tack vessel unsure of other's tack must give way (12a-iii)

When Sailing Vessels LOSE Privilege:

• Overtaking any vessel (Rule 13 trump card)
• In narrow channels with constrained vessels (Rule 9b)
• When encountering NUC, RAM, or Fishing vessels (Rule 18)
• When other rules (9, 10, 13) apply

Rule 25 Lights and Shapes:

• Standard: Sidelights + sternlight
• Optional (<20m): Tricolor at masthead (instead of separate lights)
• Optional: Red over Green at masthead (in addition to side/stern lights)
• Mnemonic: "Red over Green, Sailing Machine"

Motorsailing (Rule 25e):

• Using engine = power-driven vessel by legal definition
• MUST display black cone, apex down, forward
• Often called "cone of shame"
• Loses ALL sailing privileges
• Must follow power-driven vessel rules
• Failure to display cone is violation and creates collision hazard

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming sailing privilege is absolute (it's conditional)
• Motorsailing without cone
• Not giving way when overtaking
• Not giving way in narrow channels
• Not recognizing when Rules 9, 10, 13 apply