Alabama Boating License Practice Test

When is a sailboat under sail the give-way vessel when encountering a power-driven vessel?

1. When the sailboat is overtaking the power-driven vessel

2. When the sailboat is to the right of the power-driven vessel

3. Always

4. When the sailboat is less than 20 feet in length

The correct answer is: When the sailboat is overtaking the power-driven vessel

A sailboat is considered the give-way vessel when it is overtaking a power-driven vessel, regardless of which side it is on or the length of the sailboat. This is because the power-driven vessel is typically moving faster and has less maneuverability than the sailboat. Therefore, it is safer for the sailboat to give way and avoid a potential collision. Option C, "always," is incorrect because there may be situations where the power-driven vessel is the give-way vessel, such as when it is overtaking a sailboat, or when it is navigating in a narrow channel. Option B is incorrect because the right of way in this scenario is determined by the vessels' positions and not specifically by which side the sailboat is on. Option D is incorrect because a sailboat's length does not determine its right of way in this situation.