Which statement about sailing vessels versus power-driven vessels is accurate?

• A. A sailing vessel has absolute right of way over a power-driven vessel.
• B. A sailing vessel may not sail unless sails are set.
• C. A sailing vessel must keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel that can navigate faster.
• D. A sailing vessel is never required to yield in crossing situations.

Answer: (C)

Navigating rules give priority to the powered vessel when it can maneuver faster. If a sailing vessel and a power-driven vessel cross paths and the power-driven vessel can navigate faster, the sailing vessel must keep out of the way. This reflects the fact that power-driven boats can usually maneuver and accelerate more quickly, so the sailing vessel should take early, decisive action to avoid a collision.

In practice, this means don’t assume you have the right of way just because you’re sailing; allow the faster power-driven vessel to pass safely by yielding as needed. The other statements aren’t correct because they either claim sailing has absolute priority, require sails to be set to sail, or say a sailing vessel never has to yield in crossing situations, all of which contradict the standard rule that a sailing vessel should yield to a faster power-driven vessel.