A vessel that has the wind on her Starboard side has what?

When a vessel has the wind on her starboard side, it is referred to as being in a position where the wind is coming from the right side of the boat as seen by someone aboard. In maritime navigation, this situation is significant because the general rule is that a vessel that has the wind on her starboard side has the right of way over a vessel with the wind on her port side. This concept is crucial for understanding navigation rules and ensuring safe passage in busy waterways.

The logic behind this is tied to the maneuverability of the vessels. A vessel with the wind on her starboard side can generally maintain better control and stability than a vessel with the wind on her port side, which is likely to be pushed more by the wind and could be more difficult to steer. Therefore, the vessel with the wind on the starboard side typically enjoys advantageous maneuvering capabilities, granting it the right of way in most situations.

Understanding this principle is foundational for navigating vessels safely and adhering to the rules of the road at sea.