When two sailing vessels approach one another, which vessel is required to keep out of the way?

When two sailing vessels approach each other, the windward vessel is required to keep out of the way of the leeward vessel. This is based on COLREGs Rule 12, which specifically addresses sailing vessels and interactions between them. The windward vessel is the one that is sailing into the wind or is on the upwind side. Since it can maneuver more freely, it must give way to the leeward vessel, which is the one being pushed by the wind and thus is in a more vulnerable position.

This rule is in place to ensure clear and safe navigation among sailing vessels, as the leeward vessel typically has right-of-way due to its ability to maintain forward momentum and navigation stability, while the windward vessel is more susceptible to changes in wind direction that could affect its handling. Therefore, understanding this relationship is vital for safe navigation and avoiding collisions on the water.