Section H - The Gybe Mark
TR CALL H2
Rule 15, Acquiring Right of Way
Rule 18.2, Giving Mark-Room
Rule 31, Touching a Mark
Rule 43, Exoneration
Question
Three boats B, X, and Y are approaching an off-wind mark to be left to starboard. The
proper course after the mark is a broad reach on port tack. Rule 17 does not apply to
B. When B reaches the zone, Y is clear astern. When Y is alongside the mark, B bears
away and gybes to prevent Y from passing between her and the mark. Y touches B and
the mark and protests. What should the call be?
Answer
Penalize B.
When B reaches the zone she is clear ahead of Y who is required thereafter to give B
mark-room. When Y establishes an inside overlap, she shall also give B room to sail
her proper course. Y does so and does not break rule 18.2(b) or (c).
When B gybes she must initially give Y room to keep clear; she fails to do so and
breaks rule 15. After position 4, B is not entitled to exoneration under rule 43.1(b)
because she is no longer sailing her proper course or within the mark-room to which
she is entitled. Y breaks rules 10 and 31. As she is sailing within the room to which
she is entitled from B under rule 15, she is exonerated under rule 43.1(b).