Rules of the Road: Powerboat Approaches from Lee ??

Let's say a power boat is approaching a sailboat - for whatever reason - from the lee side.

Seems like a Bad Idea to me: even if the sailboat strikes the sail, it will be blown into the power boat - especially in heavy air - and the both boat operators are going to be unhappy.

Are there any marine "Rules of the Road" around this?

Or am I overthinking it?

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2015 AI in "Dune" - "The Grey Pig"
2017 Trailex 450 Trailer
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You always have the right of way (stand on) over powered vessels, unless you are approaching a large commercial ship. Large ships, large commercial fishing boats and Military ships- stay away.

You never have the right of way over paddle craft and swimmers.

These rules are easy to remember. Sailboat only racing rules are much more complicated.

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The Wind Is Your Friend...

From US Coast Guard website:

Rule 18 - Responsibilities Between Vessels Return to the top of the page

Except where Rules 9, 10, and 13 otherwise require:

(a) A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:

(i) a vessel not under command;
(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver;
(iii) a vessel engaged in fishing;
(iv) a sailing vessel.

(b) A sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:

(i) a vessel not under command;
(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver;
(iii) a vessel engaged in fishing.

(c) A vessel engaged in fishing when underway shall, so far as possible, keep out of the way of:

(i) a vessel not under command;
(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)