When must a sailboat give way to a power-driven vessel?

A sailboat must give way to a power-driven vessel when it is overtaking another vessel. This rule is based on the navigation right-of-way principles, where the overtaking vessel is required to maintain its course and speed, while the vessel being overtaken must provide assistance to avoid a collision. In this case, a sailboat must yield to maintain safety.

This principle is essential for ensuring smooth and safe navigation on the water, as it prevents confusion and potential collisions between different types of vessels. The power-driven vessel may not have the same maneuverability as a sailboat when it comes to altering course or speed to avoid an obstacle, making the give-way rule particularly important for the safety of both vessels involved.

Other situations, such as when the sailboat is sailing with the wind or when both vessels are sailing, do not create the necessity for the sailboat to give way in the same manner. The primary focus is on overtaking, which carries specific responsibilities defined by navigation rules.