CASE 124
Rule 19.2(a), Room to Pass an Obstruction: Giving Room at an Obstruction
Rule 19.2(b), Room to Pass an Obstruction: Giving Room at an Obstruction
Rule 43.1(b), Exoneration
At any point in time while two boats are approaching an
obstruction, the right-of-way boat at that moment may
choose to pass the obstruction on either side provided that
she can then comply with the applicable rules.
Facts
While racing, boats AW and BL are approaching an obstruction that can be
passed on either side. At position 1, AW is clear ahead by a very narrow
margin and on a track to windward of BL. At position 2, they have become
overlapped with AW to windward of BL.
Question
At position 1, AW is clear ahead and thus has right-of-way under rule 12.
When the overlap between them begins, BL becomes the right-of-way boat
under rule 11. Rule 19.2(a) states that the right-of-way boat may choose to
pass the obstruction on either side. How can we determine which boat has
the right to choose in this situation?
Answer
At any point in time, the right-of-way boat at that moment is entitled by rule
19.2(a) to choose on which side she will pass the obstruction. Therefore,
while AW is clear ahead of BL, she has the right to choose to pass the
obstruction on either side. When the boats become overlapped, AW loses
that right, and at that time BL has the right to choose.
When a right-of-way boat acts to implement a choice she has made under
rule 19.2(a), she must comply with any applicable rules of Sections A and B.
Rule 19.2(b) applies if the boats are overlapped. In that case, the outside
boat must give the inside boat room between her and the obstruction, unless
she has been unable to do so from the time the overlap began. Rule 43.1(b)
applies while the inside boat is sailing within the room to which she is
entitled under rule 19.2(b).
World Sailing 2013