Section D - The Leg of the Course to a Windward Mark
MR CALL D3
Rule 20.2(b), Room to Tack at an Obstruction: Responding
Question
Approaching an obstruction, Yellow and Blue are sailing upwind on the same tack.
Blue hails and signals Yellow for room to tack. Yellow believes that Blue is sailing
below a close-hauled course and she ignores the hail. Both boats display flag Y.
What should the call be?
Answer
Penalize Yellow. When the hailing boat is sailing upwind, the hailed boat must
always respond to the hail in accordance with rule 20.2(b).
In addition, if Blue hailed for room to tack when it was clear that she was sailing
below a close-hauled course, then Blue broke rule 20.1(b). Penalize Blue.