Sure can. It is not always true. It depends on the situation. Normally, yes, the power driven vessel is the give way vessel to a sail boat. The sailboat does not appear to operate its machinery engine since it does not display an inverted Apex or cone on its forward mast.
Based on the situation or picture posted, rule #14 would normally apply.
Rule 14 - Head-on Situation
(a)
[Inld] When two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision each shall alter her course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other.
Meaning that both vessels are the give way vessels if they were on a head-on situation.
Rule 18 - Responsibilities Between Vessels
Except where Rules 9, 10, and 13 otherwise require:
(a) A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:(i) a vessel not under command; (unable to steer or make way)
(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver; (vessels due to the nature of their work are unable to maneuver i.e. underway refueling, launching or recovering aircrafts)
(iii) a vessel engaged in fishing;
(iv) a sailing vessel.
(b) A sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:(i) a vessel not under command;
(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver;
(iii) a vessel engaged in fishing.
These are the 3 situations when a sail boat is required to give way to the other vessels. Since the DDG is anchored or not under command, the sailboat is still the give way vessel.
Source: Navigation Rules Online
Meaning that both vessels are the give way vessels if they were on a head-on situation.
Rule 18 - Responsibilities Between Vessels
Except where Rules 9, 10, and 13 otherwise require:
(a) A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:(i) a vessel not under command; (unable to steer or make way)
(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver; (vessels due to the nature of their work are unable to maneuver i.e. underway refueling, launching or recovering aircrafts)
(iii) a vessel engaged in fishing;
(iv) a sailing vessel.
(b) A sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:(i) a vessel not under command;
(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver;
(iii) a vessel engaged in fishing.
These are the 3 situations when a sail boat is required to give way to the other vessels. Since the DDG is anchored or not under command, the sailboat is still the give way vessel.
Source: Navigation Rules Online
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