Rule 11, On the Same Tack, Overlapped
Rule 18.1, Mark-Room: When Rule 18 Applies
Rule 18.2(b), Mark-Room: Giving Mark-Room
Rule 18.5(b), Mark-Room: Exoneration
Definitions, Clear Astern and Clear Ahead;
Overlap
In determining the right of an inside boat to mark-room under rule 18.2(b), it is irrelevant that boats are on widely differing courses, provided that an overlap exists when the first of them reaches the zone.
Summary of the Facts |
Decision
OL’s appeal is dismissed and her disqualification is confirmed.
The boats were required to leave the mark on the same side and were on the same
tack, and so rule 18 applied after position 1 when OL reached the zone.
The boats were overlapped from that time until contact occurred, and therefore
the first sentence of rule 18.2(b) applied, limiting OL’s rights under
rule 11 by requiring her to give IW mark-room. OL did not give IW mark- room,
and so is disqualified under rule 18.2(b). It should be noted that OL also broke
rule 14, as she could have avoided contact, but, because OL was the right-of-way
boat and the contact caused neither damage nor injury, she could not have been
penalized had rule 14 been the only rule she broke. As a result of OL’s
failing to give IW mark-room to which IW was entitled, IW broke rule 11 while
trying to take that mark-room, and therefore is exonerated under rule 18.5(b).
IW also broke rule 14, as she too could have avoided contact, but is not to
be penalized, because she was a boat entitled to mark-room and the contact caused
neither damage nor injury.
RYA 1964/19