In a situation where two sailboats have the wind on different sides, which vessel is considered the stand-on vessel?

In this scenario, the sailboat that has the wind on the starboard side is considered the stand-on vessel. The reason for this is rooted in maritime navigation rules, specifically the conventions established for sailboats under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). When two sailboats are sailing and one has the wind on the starboard side while the other has it on the port side, the boat with the wind on the starboard side is recognized as having the right of way.

This rule promotes safety and predictable behavior among vessels at sea. The stand-on vessel is expected to maintain its course and speed, allowing the other vessel, which is considered the give-way vessel, to maneuver away to avoid a collision. The other options presented in the question relate to aspects of sailing and navigation, but they do not accurately capture the established maritime rule regarding which vessel takes precedence in this particular situation.