Question

Which statement is TRUE concerning two sailing vessels approaching each other?

a. A sailing vessel overtaking another is the give-way vessel.
b. When each is on a different tack, the vessel on the starboard tack shall keep out of the way.
c. A sailing vessel seeing another to leeward on an undetermined tack shall hold her course.
d. All of the above

Answer 1

The true statement concerning two sailing vessels approaching each other is that a sailing vessel overtaking another is the give-way vessel.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering the rules of navigation for two sailing vessels approaching each other, the following statement is TRUE: A sailing vessel overtaking another is the give-way vessel. This means that the vessel coming up from behind another must maneuver around the vessel in front, ensuring they do not collide or impede its passage. In the case where each is on a different tack, the vessel on port tack shall keep out of the way of the vessel on starboard tack, not the other way around, making option 'b' incorrect. Option 'c' is also incorrect, as the rules of the road in sailing require that both vessels must be prepared to give way if there is a risk of collision and it is not dependent on which side the other vessel is seen. Thus, out of the given choices, only 'a. A sailing vessel overtaking another is the give-way vessel' is correct.