New Jersey Boating Certification Practice Test

When is a sailboat undersail considered the give-way vessel when encountering a power-driven vessel?

1. When it is overtaking the power-driven vessel

2. When it is traveling faster than the power-driven vessel

3. When it is sailing against the wind

4. When it is being towed by another vessel

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

A sailboat under sail is considered the give-way vessel when overtaking a power-driven vessel due to the rules of navigation which prioritize maintaining safe passage on the water. In a scenario where a sailboat is approaching a power-driven vessel from behind, it is important for the sailboat to yield to avoid potential collisions and ensure safety on the water. The general rule for overtaking vessels is that the vessel being overtaken has the right of way. In contrast, the other situations described do not necessitate that the sailboat automatically gives way. If the sailboat is traveling faster than the power-driven vessel, it does not necessarily imply a need to give-way as speed alone does not dictate right-of-way. When a sailboat is sailing against the wind, it can be more complicated but does not automatically imply that it must give way to a power vessel. Lastly, if a sailboat is being towed by another vessel, the responsibilities and right-of-way can change depending on various factors, but it is not a straightforward case of giving way as in the overtaking scenario. Thus, the situation of overtaking remains the primary context in which the sailboat must yield.