Rule 16.1 Changing Course Rule 18.2(d) Rounding and Passing Marks and Obstructions:
Giving Room; Keeping Clear. Changing Course to Round or Pass Rule 31.1 Touching a Mark Rule D1.1(a) On the Same Tack; Proper Course,
Windward Boat Rule D1.1(b) Rounding and Passing Marks and
Obstructions: Giving Room; Keeping Clear. Not Overlapped at the Zone
Question
Three boats A, X, and B are approaching an off-wind mark to be left to
starboard. The proper course after the mark is a broad reach on port tack.
X has
no proper course restriction, and is luffing A to slow her. When X reaches
the
two-length zone, B is clear astern. When B is alongside the mark, X bears
away
and gybes to prevent B from passing between her and the mark. B touches
X
and the mark and protests. What should the call be?
Answer
At position 2 B is subject to rule 18.2(c), and is keep clear boat with
respect to X until both B and X have passed the mark. X as right-of-way
boat under 18.2(c) is not subject to rule 16 when she changes course to
round the mark (rule 18.2(d)). X may not sail below her proper course
unless she gybes (rule 17.2).
X’s change of course at position 5 is not to round the mark. Therefore
rule 16 applies. B is so close to X that she cannot alter course to pass
astern of X. She tries to keep clear by bearing away, but the presence
of the mark prevents this.
X breaks rule 16.1. Penalize X, and exonerate B under rule 64.1(b).
It is not seamanlike to hit a mark. When a keep clear boat entitled to room
to keep clear is forced to hit a mark, she has not been given room.
Team Race -
CALL H 02
