When two sailing vessels are approaching each other with the wind on opposite sides, which vessel is obligated to give way?

When two sailing vessels are approaching each other with the wind on opposite sides, the vessel that has the wind on the port side is required to give way. In sailing, this situation is referred to as when two sailing boats are on a reciprocal course and are approaching each other with the wind on different sides.

In this scenario, the vessel with the wind on the starboard side has the right of way. This is consistent with the rules of the road for sailing vessels, which state that the boat with wind on the starboard tack effectively holds the preferred status and expects the other vessel to take action to avoid a collision. Therefore, the vessel with the wind on the port side must give way to the vessel on the starboard tack to ensure safe navigation and adherence to maritime rules.

The rules governing right of way in sailing focus on tacking position (starboard and port), rather than other factors such as speed or size. Thus, the consideration of speed or size as a determining factor in this case would not apply.