Is a right-of-way boat allowed to hit a boat that gets in its way?

If reasonably possible, a boat shall:

• avoid contact with another boat;

• not cause contact between boats; and

• not cause contact between a boat and an object that should be avoided.

• When the right-of-way boat must act: "until it is clear that the other boat is not keeping clear or giving room" it need not do anything.

• Exoneration: a right-of-way boat, or one sailing within room it is entitled to, is exonerated for breaking this rule if the contact does not cause damage or injury.

• When boats are not racing: a boat that is not racing is not penalised under the rules for boats meeting, except under this rule when the incident resulted in injury or serious damage.

• Serious cases: a boat that caused injury or serious damage cannot clear itself with turns. Its penalty is to retire.

Right of way decides who is in the wrong. It does not make a collision acceptable. Boats are costly and crews can be hurt, so the rules require both boats to try to avoid contact and still protect the right-of-way boat that could do nothing in time.