When two sailboats approach each other, what is the rule regarding wind direction?

When two sailboats approach each other, the rule regarding wind direction dictates that the leeward vessel stands on. In sailing terms, "leeward" refers to the side of the boat that is away from the wind, while "windward" is the side facing the wind.

The key principle here is that the boat that is on the leeward side has the right of way because it has the wind at its back and, thus, has more maneuverability. The windward vessel must give way to ensure safe navigation and to avoid collisions. This rule is consistent with sailing conventions, which prioritize the safety and efficiency of navigation at sea.

For the other options, while they refer to various scenarios that can happen when boats are facing each other, they do not accurately reflect the established rules of sailing. For instance, having both vessels give way would lead to confusion and potential accidents, and stating that the windward vessel gives way contradicts the established right of way rules. Similarly, mentioning the starboard vessel in this context does not apply here as the key factor is the relative wind direction rather than the direction the vessels are approaching from.