Section D - The Windward Leg
TR CALL D2
Rule 10, On Opposite Tacks
Rule 16.2, Changing Course
Definitions, Keep Clear
Question
On a windward leg in light winds, B on starboard and Y on port are on converging
courses. At approximately three lengths from B, Y bears away to avoid B. B then bears
away, so that the boats remain on a collision course. Both Y and B continue to bear
away, until they finally pass one another with the wind approximately abeam. Y
protests. What should the call be?
Answer
Penalize B. On a beat to windward, rule 16.2 prohibits a starboard tack boat from
bearing away if that requires a port tack boat, that is keeping clear by sailing to pass to
leeward of her, to have to change course immediately to continue keeping clear.
When Y starts bearing away she begins sailing to pass to leeward of B, even though
her course is still above B’s stern. When B alters course between position 1 and 2, Y
does not have to make an immediate change of course, so no rule is broken.
When B alters course between positions 2 and 3, Y must immediately change course
to continue keeping clear and B breaks rule 16.2.
The expression 'sailing to pass to leeward' in rule 16.2 refers to the overall actions of
the port-tack boat clearly attempting to pass to leeward of the starboard-tack boat,
and not necessarily to the course or heading she is sailing at any moment.
When the wind is stronger or the boats are moving faster, if B performs a similar
manoeuvre she will break rule 16.2 when further from Y.
[As a consequence of the change to rule 16.2, Q&A 2 in this call is deleted]