This is a case where the sailing vessel does not have the right of way. The overtaking vessel must stay clear of the vessel being overtaken. The best thing you could do would me to keep a steady course, or make any changes obvious so the overtaking sailboat knows what you are doing.
If you are operating a motorboat and your motorboat is being overtaken by a sailboat, you should maintain present course and speed. The vessel that is overtaking another vessel is the give-way vessel, regardless of whether it is a sailing vessel or a power-driven vessel. The vessel being overtaken is always the stand-on vessel.
Steer into the wind.
Rules of the Road International/Inland Steering and Sailing rules Rule 13-Overtaking "ANY vessel overtaking any OTHER shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken." In addition, the proper whistle signals need to be proposed and agreed to.
You always must give the right of way to the sailboat unless it's using the engine then you abide by the rule of yielding to the boat on the right.Remember the golden rule, Avoid collisions at all costs.In the IRPCS or "The rules of road" there are many other rules relevant to this situation, all of which are Subordinate to the golden rule.A power vessel make keep clear and remember how maneuverable they are. Whereas, a sailboat has limited maneuverability due to their inability of sailing into the wind.An overtaking vessel must keep clear. The vessel being overtaken is the stand-on vessel and must maintain its speed and course.So in this situation the power vessel should maintain it's course and speed. Whereas the sailing vessel must keep clear while overtaking but the power vessel must make sure it is not preventing the sailboat overtaking it because power gives way to sail.Ultimately, make your intentions clear, remember to use your common sense, remember the points mentioned above and AVOID COLLISIONS AT ALL COSTS.Happy Sailing.
Unless the sailboat is overtaking a power-driven vessel, the powerboat is the give-way vessel.
the power driven vessel needs to give-way for sailing ships.
The overtaking craft should give way, as the overtaking craft should be the one with the most control, as it is initiating the move.
The vessel overtaking another vessel
When the sails are furled and it is proceeding under its auxilliary engine
The vessel being "overtaken" is the stand-on vessel. The vessel "overtaking" is the give-way vessel.
If you see a vessel displaying only a white light, it indicates that the vessel is a power-driven vessel. This vessel is approaching you head-on or is overtaking you. In both cases, you should be prepared to take action to avoid a collision.