the PWC
Sailboat. A PWC, or personal watercraft, is the give way vessel to any sailboat. In the US, a PWC refers to any small powerboat less than 13 feet in length. As such, it is a powerboat and must give way to all sailboats.
A sailboat and a PWC are meeting head-on. Which one is the stand-on vessel?
A PWC is a Power Driven Vessel so she must give way.
Generally, vessels under sail power have the right of way.
When a sailboat overtakes a powerboat, the powerboat is the stand-on vessel. (Ref: SB-29)
Contrary to popular belief the power driven vessel is not always the give way vessel, a great deal depends on the circumstances.
Powerboat
When a sailboat overtakes a powerboat, the powerboat is the stand-on vessel. (Ref: SB-29)
When a sailboat overtakes a powerboat, the powerboat is the stand-on vessel. (Ref: SB-29)
Unless the sailboat is overtaking a power-driven vessel, the powerboat is the give-way vessel.
To take early and substantial action to keep well clear of the stand on vessel
There is a misconception that a motor driven vessel always gives way to sail. This is not so. There are many things which decide which vessel gives way, tides, wind, the channel and the conditions of the vessels themselves. The operations they are involved in also affect who gives way. It is a rule, however, that BOTH vessels are responsible for avoiding collisions.