Section D - The Windward Leg
TR CALL D3
Rule 10, On Opposite Tacks
Rule 13, While Tacking
Rule 15, Acquiring Right of Way
Question
Y and B are sailing on port tack on a windward leg. B tacks onto starboard close to Y.
When B completes her tack onto starboard, both boats immediately have to luff and
tack away to avoid contact. Y protests. What should the call be?
Answer
No penalty. Neither boat breaks a rule. At position 3 B acquires right of way through
her own actions and must initially give Y room to keep clear. By tacking back onto
port, she gives Y room to keep clear.
If Y has to take avoiding action before B completes her tack, B breaks rule 13.
When B completes her tack, if the boats are so close that Y is not able to keep clear or
if Y has to tack in an unseamanlike way, then B breaks rule 15
A boat acquiring right of way may comply with rule 15 by altering course herself. This
principle applies on any leg of the course.