There are many fundamental rules that is on the starboard tack will have the right of way over boats on the port tack. When the boats are on the same course, the leeward boat will have the right of way, over the windward boat. Most often a boat that is overtaking another boat must keep clear of the boat that it is overtaking. When it is tacking or jibbing, a boat must keep clear of other boats. There is so much more to sailing than just steering the boat.
Sailors are responsible for the safety of the boats and their crew.
It is important to know the United States Coast Guard regulations concerning what equipment is required by law. You will want to learn to read charts so that you will know all the shoals and channels in the waters you will be sailing. It will be important for you to know where you can safely take your boat. Talking to people who sail the waters and are familiar with them will be your best source of information. The more that you learn about sailing and the more that you know, the more fun and the safer the sport will be.