Section B – The Prestart

TR CALL B1

Rule 11, On the Same Tack, Overlapped
Rule 15, Acquiring Right of Way
Rule 43, Exoneration

Question

Before the start, Y is sailing slowly and B establishes an overlap from clear astern. At the time the overlap is established Y can keep clear by maintaining her course and accelerating. Instead Y delays her response and then luffs, and her stern hits B. There is a protest. What should the call be?

Answer

Penalize Y. When B gains her overlap she must initially give Y room to keep clear. B fulfils her obligations under rule 15, because, when the overlap is established, Y can keep clear by maintaining her course and accelerating, or by luffing. However, when Y delays her response, and then elects to luff and there is contact, she fails to keep clear. Y breaks rule 11.

When a keep-clear boat reacts appropriately and in a timely manner, but is unable to keep clear, the right-of-way boat fails to give room and will be penalized for breaking rule 15. The other boat will be exonerated under rule 43.1(b).

When a keep clear boat reacts slowly, or in an inappropriate manner, and then fails to keep clear, the keep clear boat will be penalized for failing to keep clear.

When one boat acquires right of way, the other boat must promptly take appropriate action to try to keep clear. Depending on the circumstances, this action may include accelerating or tacking.