• Sail boat rules in Floridasailing yachts image by rob osman from Fotolia.com
  
  Florida is sailing paradise--but it is also powerboat paradise and the waterways can get crowded. There are "rules of the road" to follow when sailing in Florida waters and responsible sailors know them. The American Sailing Association or the U.S. Sailing Association are two organizations that offer certified courses in sailing safety. And, of course, every skipper should follow basic boating regulations for registration, life jackets, fire extinguishers, navigation lights and avoidance of drugs and alcohol.
  
  

Powerboat vs. Sailboat

• Power-driven vessels must always give way to vessels under sail unless the sailboat is overtaking. "Give-way" means the boat takes action to avoid and stay well clear of another vessel. "Stand-on" means the boat continues its course and speed unchanged. If a powerboat and a sailboat are on a head-on course, the powerboat gives way. If a powerboat and a sailboat are on paths that will cross, the powerboat gives way and the sailboat stands on. A boat overtaking another vessel from behind always gives way. The boat in front is always the stand-on vessel. And a sailboat moving under the power of its engine is considered a powerboat and subject to the rules for powerboats.
  
  

Sailboat vs. Sailboat

• When two boats under sail are involved, the wind determines the give-way and stand-on vessels. If the sailboats are approaching with the wind coming from the same side, the leeward boat---the one downwind of the other--stands-on. If two sailboats approach with the wind on different sides, the one with the wind on the starboard (right) side stands-on. It is always a good idea to give any sailboat plenty of room. Any sailboat will have to yield to another boat if that other boat is not under command (drifting or just unhelmed), restricted in ability to maneuver or engaged in commercial fishing.
  
  

Sailboat vs. Manatee

• Manatees trump sailboats. Sailing vessels are subject to the same manatee protections that govern powerboats. Manatees winter and give birth in Florida waters, and they are most threatened by boaters. The slow-moving mammals have strict protections there, including fines for disrupting them that can go as high as $50,000 and up to one-year imprisonment. The regulations to protect manatees are speed zones and exclusion zones. "Idle Speed, No Wake" means just enough speed to keep underway and maintain control of the boat. "Slow Speed, Minimum Wake" means the boat is settled flat in the water. If powered, the bow must not be elevated and if sailing, the sails should be slack enough to keep the boat from heeling or leaning to one side. "Vessel Exclusion Areas" forbid all or some vessels from entering and have signs clearly posted. If you see a manatee sign, even without a zone sign visible, it's a good idea to slow down or avoid the area if possible.