Section E - The Windward Mark
TR CALL E4
Rule 11, On the Same Tack; Overlapped
Rule 19, Giving Room at an Obstruction
Rule 20, Room to Tack at an Obstruction
Definitions, Obstruction
Question
Y and B are approaching a starboard-hand windward mark, overlapped and level, on
port tack. Y, to leeward, is on the layline. B is on collision course with her team mate
A who is on starboard tack. B hails Y for room to pass astern of A. Y gives her room,
but as a result is forced to pass the wrong side of the mark. Y protests. What should
the call be?
Answer
No penalty.
With respect to the windward mark, Y is inside boat and has right of way over B, so B
must keep clear of Y and give her mark-room.
Y and B both have to keep clear of A, so A ranks as an obstruction to both. At position
2 Y and B are both about to pass the same side of A, so rule 19.2(b) applies. Y is
outside boat and must give B room to pass astern of A.
Once Y has given B room to pass astern of A, B's obligation is to continue to keep
clear of Y and to give her mark-room. Because Y is unable to pass the mark on the
correct side, B’s only obligation is to keep clear, which she does.
Y does not have to make a substantial alteration of course to avoid A. If she hails for
room to tack, she will break rule 20.1(a).