Section J - The Leeward Mark
TR CALL J2
Rule 11, On the Same Tack, Overlapped
Rule 18.2, Giving Mark-Room
Rule 43, Exoneration
Definition, Mark-Room
Question
B and Y are approaching a leeward mark to be left to starboard. When B reaches the
zone she is clear ahead of Y. B bears away and at position 2 Y gains a leeward overlap.
B maintains her course and a short time later Y needs to alter course to avoid her. Y
protests. What should the call be?
Answer
Penalize B.
When B reaches the zone, rule 18 starts to apply and Y is required to give B markroom,
which she does. From position 2, B is windward boat and must keep clear of Y
under rule 11. B fails to do so and breaks rule 11. The answer is the same if the boats
are overlapped at position 1.
Mark-room includes room for B to sail to the mark, but because she is sailing below
her course to the mark she is not sailing within the mark-room to which she is entitled
and is not exonerated under rule 43.1(b) for breaking rule 11.