Section G – The Run
TR CALL G8
Rule 11, On the Same Tack, Overlapped
Rule 16.1, Changing Course
Definitions, Room
Question
Two keelboats B and Y are overlapped on a run with spinnakers set. Rule 17 does not
apply. B luffs continuously and Y keeps clear by luffing. When Y is no longer able
to keep the majority of her spinnaker filled and drawing, she holds course and drops
her spinnaker. While she does so, B bears away to avoid contact and protests. There is
no contact. What should the call be?
Answer
No penalty.
When B changes course, rule 16.1 requires her to give Y room to keep clear, which
includes space to manoeuvre promptly in a seamanlike way. After position 3, Y needs
to drop her spinnaker to continue manoeuvring in a seamanlike way. At position 4, B
complies with rule 16.1 by bearing away to give Y room to keep clear.
This answer also applies if B has no spinnaker set, or a different type of spinnaker
set.
See also Call A3.
Room for a windward boat to keep clear includes room to drop her spinnaker when it
is seamanlike to do so. This will depend on factors such as wind strength, size and
shape of spinnaker.