This is worth understanding too;
Sailing rules are generally not understood by windsurfers who haven't had conventional sailing experience see link. experience.
www.discoverboating.com/resources/learn-how-to-sail-sailing-rules-instructions Sailboards are technically sail craft and therefore sailing rules should apply in non surf conditions. The reality however is yachtsmen in my experience generally have no regard for a sailboarder's right of way! taking the attitude "might has right".I've been in many situations where it was clear if I didn't get out of the way I'd have been "mowed down" even though I was on starboard tack. In a sailboard course racing situation sailing rules apply naturally. Be aware too yachts engaged in competition have rights over recreational sail craft. In local sailboarding it seems a system of courtesy and common sense has developed outside of the rules whereby sailors simply avoid collision situations. In a head to head situation it is usually obvious to an experienced windsurfer which sailor has the ability to sail past further up wind so the other sailor holds their course to pass down wind. Common sense an courtesy prevail. A much better situation than a windsurfer forcing right of way by altering course into the path of another sailor.
