When a sailboat overtakes a powerboat, which vessel is considered the stand-on vessel?

In situations involving sailboats and powerboats, the powerboat is generally considered the stand-on vessel when it is overtaken by a sailboat. This categorization is based on the rules of the road (navigation rules) that govern interactions between different types of vessels.

The rationale behind this designation is that powerboats, due to their ability to maneuver quickly and change speed, are expected to give way to a sailing vessel that is under sail when overtaken. When the sailboat is on a course to overtake the powerboat, it maintains its course while the powerboat is responsible for avoiding a collision, thus acting as the stand-on vessel. This ensures a controlled approach and avoidance strategy, promoting safe navigation on the water.

In other scenarios, such as when vessels are on intersecting courses, different rules may apply, but in the specific case of overtaking, the stand-on responsibilities fall to the powerboat when overtaken by a sailboat.