When does a sailboat have the right of way over a recreational power boat?

Answer 1

A sailboat has the right of way over a recreational power boat only when under sail alone and is crossing the path of the powerboat. I would expect a sailboat would always have right of way. How fast can a sailboat change direction compared to a speed boat? Speed boat drivers should be watching for sail boats or stationary boats at all times. Actually, on our lake, it seems as though the sail boats are stationary....hmmmm A sail boat only has the right away when it is in full sail. If the sail's are down and it is using its motor to power it, it is then considered a motor boat. The above answer is correct, with a little clarification. A sailboat would have the right of way over a power boat when it is under sail "only." In other words, if the sails are up but the motor is also operating, it would be considered a power boat and the normal rules of the road would apply equally to both. Also, there are certain categories of power driven vessels engaged in specific types of operations (like surveying, dredging, etc.) that have the right of way over all other vessels, including sailboats under sail only.

Further discussion:

Actually, there isn't a "right of way" under the Colregs. There are "stand on vessels" and "burdened vessels".

A powered vessel constrained by draft in a seaway, for example, will be considered the stand on vessel (privileged vessel) and must maintain its course and speed when an unconstrained sailing vessel approaches. The sailing vessel, in this case, would be the burdened vessel and must give way.