Rule 11 On the Same Tack, Overlapped
Rule 18.2 Giving Mark-Room
Rule 18.5 Exoneration
Rule C2.4 While Tacking or Gybing
Definitions Mark-Room
Question
Blue and Yellow approach the windward mark on starboard tack with Yellow
overlapped on the inside of Blue at the zone. After passing the port tack
lay-line both boats luff head to wind, at position 3 Blue has given Yellow
enough room to tack. Both boats continue forward with the gauge between
the boats reducing until, before leaving the zone, Yellow passes head
to wind. There is contact as Yellow’s stern swings. Both boats Y-flag.
What should the call be?
Answer
Penalize Yellow.
Blue is right-of-way outside boat when she reaches the zone and must give
Yellow mark-room. Mark-room includes room to sail to the mark and then
room to sail a proper course while at the mark. Mark-room also includes
room to tack as Yellow is overlapped to windward and on the inside of
Blue.
Blue complied with rule 18.2(b) by giving Yellow room to tack at position
3. When Yellow chose not to tack and continued past the mark; she was
now neither sailing to the mark nor sailing her proper course at the mark.
At position 5 while Yellow was subject to rule 13 she did not keep clear
of Blue, Yellow cannot be exonerated under rule 18.5(a) or (b) for breaking
rule 13.
If, at position 3, Blue did not give Yellow room to tack and there was
a Y-flag, penalize Blue for breaking rule 18.2(b) and exonerate Yellow
under rule 18.5 for breaking rule 13.