Team Race - CALL B 03     

Rule 11 On the Same Tack, Overlapped
Rule 12 On the Same Tack, Not Overlapped
Rule 15 Acquiring Right of Way
Rule 16.1 Changing Course

Question 1
Before the start, A and X are both on port tack, with X clear astern of A. As A bears away to gybe, X also bears away onto a course that will become a collision course if A bears away further. At no time during the manoeuvre are the boats overlapped. A luffs and protests. What should the call be?

Answer 1
As right-of-way boat A is required to give X room to keep clear when she changes course. X is required to keep clear, so she must not prevent A from sailing in the direction she is pointing. At position 3 X is keeping clear, but her actions are preventing A from bearing away further. Neither boat breaks a rule. No penalty.

Question 2
If an overlap is established just after position 3, does the situation change?

Answer 2
Just after position 3, X becomes right-of-way boat at least in part because of A’s actions. Therefore, provided she maintains her course, X does not initially need to give A room to keep clear. As A keeps clear she breaks no rule. No penalty.