Section L - Other Rules
MR CALL L10
Rule 11, On the Same Tack, Overlapped
Rule 16.1, Changing Course
Rule 19.2(b), Giving Room at an Obstruction
Rule 43.1, Exoneration
Question
Yellow and Blue, overlapped on port tack, are approaching an obstruction which
can be passed on either side.
Blue is sailing to pass to leeward of the obstruction, but from Position 2 Blue luffs
quickly to pass to windward of the obstruction. Yellow responds immediately, but
is unable to keep clear of Blue. There is contact between them. Both boats display
flag Y. What should the call be?
Answer
Penalise Blue.
When Blue (the outside boat) changes course to become the inside boat at the
obstruction, she must give Yellow room to keep clear under rule 16.1 until Yellow
can comply with her obligation to give Blue room between her and the obstruction
under rule 19.2(b). Blue fails to do so and breaks rule 16.1.
As a result of Blue breaking rule 16.1, Yellow breaks rules 11 and 19.2(b). Yellow
is exonerated for her breach of rule 11 by rule 43.1(b) because she was sailing within
the room to which she was entitled under rule 16.1, and for her breach of rule 19.2(b)
by rule 43.1(a) because she was compelled to break that rule by Blue’s breach of
rule 16.1.