Safety on the Water - Rules of the Road

The Coast Guard and the State of California consider the sailboard a vessel for purposes of the rules of the road. This means the windsurfer can be cited and fined for violations of these rules.

Many problems have occurred as a result of conflicts between sailboards and larger vessels. In congested bays, freighters and other deep-draft vessels are often confined to a specific channel because of water-depth requirements and are unable to alter their course and speed quickly. Very large vessels require several miles to stop. Large craft can block the wind, leaving the windsurfer unable to maneuver. A large vessel's propeller creates suction and its stern wakes can be dangerous if a windsurfer ventures too close. Stay away from large vessels!

Lake or river windsurfers should avoid congested areas, especially those areas where water-ski boats or other high-speed powercraft are in operation.

Windsurfers should respect the rights and privileges of all craft, large and small. Because of conflicts with larger craft and violations of the rules of the road, special zones prohibiting or restricting sailboards to specified areas have already been established on some waterways.

The following rules apply to sailcraft meeting other sailcraft.

1. A boat on starboard tack (circled) has right-of-way over a boat on port tack.
2. A leeward (downwind) boat (circled) has right-of-way over a windward (upwind).
3. An overtaking boat must keep clear of the boat being overtaken (circled).