Starboard Tack

The tack on which the wind is coming from the vessel’s starboard side.

On a conventional fore-and-aft rig the mainsail and boom are normally to port, but sail position is evidence rather than the definition and backed or unusual sails can mislead. Tack is determined by the side from which the wind is received.

Under the sailing-vessel rule, a vessel on port tack generally keeps out of the way of one on starboard tack when risk of collision exists. Starboard tack does not confer absolute right of way; lookout, safe speed, encounter geometry and all applicable rules remain relevant.