The give-way vessel is the boat that must avoid a collision with the other boat. The give-way vessel may need to change speed and/or trajectory in order to avoid contact with the other boat. Boats that are under sail are never give-way vessels in a situation with a power boat. The sailboat has a much more difficult time changing speed or trajectory but still maintaining enough wind in the sails. This is why a power boat that does not rely on the wind is a give-way vessel. The power boat can easily change direction or speed and give the sailboat under sail the courtesy of maintaining the wind.
