Section E - The Windward Mark

MR CALL E5

Rule C2.9 (18.2(a)(1)), Giving Mark-Room (overlapped)

Question 1

Yellow on starboard tack and Blue on port tack, both close-hauled, are approaching the windward mark to be left to starboard. Blue bears away and passes astern of Yellow. When Yellow reaches the zone, she is overlapped and on the inside of Blue. Yellow luffs slowly and nearly stops head to wind with the mark abeam. While Yellow is luffing, Blue tacks to starboard and bears away towards the mark. Yellow does not give room at the mark, and Blue luffs to avoid a collision. Flag Y is displayed by Blue. What should the call be?

Answer 1

Display the green and white flag.

When Yellow reaches the zone, she is inside boat and therefore entitled to markroom under rule C2.9 (18.2(a)(1)) until she has rounded or passed the mark. Blue keeps clear of Yellow and gives Yellow mark-room.

Question 2

Would the answer be different if Blue completes her tack outside the zone?

Answer 2

No