Section B - The Prestart
MR CALL B12
Rule 10, On Opposite Tacks
Rule 11, On the Same Tack, Overlapped
Rule 16.1, Changing Course
Rule 19.2(b), Giving Room at an Obstruction
Question
Before the start Yellow and Blue, reaching on starboard tack, approach an anchored
boat. When Yellow is at the obstruction, she is clear ahead of Blue. Yellow passes
to windward of it, bears away alongside it, then gybes in order to sail around its
stern. Very soon after Yellow gybes, Blue is still on starboard and gains a small
inside overlap. Blue changes course trying to avoid contact with Yellow but there is
contact. Flag Y is displayed. What should the call be?
Answer
Penalize Yellow.
It was possible for Yellow to give room to Blue from the time the overlap was
established. Blue becomes the right-of-way boat under rule C2.6 (13.2) when the
foot of the mainsail of Yellow crosses the centreline. Yellow gives up her right of
way, so rule 15 does not apply. Yellow must give room to Blue under rule 19.2(b),
and keep clear of Blue under rule 10.