CASE 35
Rule 20.2(c), Room to Tack at an Obstruction: Responding
When a boat is hailed for room to tack at an obstruction and
replies ‘You tack’, and the hailing boat is then able to tack
and avoid the hailed boat in a seamanlike way, the hailed
boat has complied with rule 20.2(c).
Facts
As two close-hauled boats approached a shore, L hailed W for room to tack.
W replied ‘You tack’ and L then tacked immediately. After tacking, L bore
away in a seamanlike way and passed under W’s stern, which she cleared
by three feet (1 m) or more. L protested W under rule 20.2(c). The boats
were 15 feet (4.5 m) in length and the wind was moderate. The protest
committee decided that W failed to give room as required by rule 20.2(c)
and disqualified her. W appealed.
Decision
W’s appeal is upheld, and she is to be reinstated. L’s actions showed that
she had room to tack and avoid W. W therefore met her obligation under
rule 20.2(c).
USA 1976/189