Port Tack vs. Starboard Tack: Sailing Rules Explained

Before applying the navigation rules between two sailing vessels, you must first identify which tack each vessel is on. A sailboat is on port tack when the wind comes over its port side and on starboard tack when the wind comes over its starboard side. When sailing downwind, the mainsail can help identify the tack: if the sail is out to port, the vessel is on starboard tack; if it is out to starboard, the vessel is on port tack. Understanding port tack and starboard tack is the first step in determining which sailing vessel is stand-on and which must give way. #sailing #sailboat #sailor #sailingschool #boat