CALL UMP 2              

Rule 21.3, Moving Astern

Question 1
Is a boat moving astern when she is moving astern through the water or over the ground?

Answer 1
Through the water.

 

Question 2
Does rule 21.3 apply if Yellow:
(a) begins moving astern by backing her sail?
(b) begins moving astern by backing her sail but then later releases her sail?
(c) begins moving astern without backing her sail, but then later backs her sail?

Answer 2
If during the time when a boat begins moving astern until she stops moving astern she backs her sail, rule 21.3 applies from the moment the sail is backed until the boat stops moving astern. Rule 21.3 applies no matter how brief the sail is backed or how little the backed sail contributes to the movement astern.

Question 3
Yellow is moving forward and backs her sail. She stops backing the sail before the boat begins to move astern. Thereafter, Yellow begins to move astern through the water without any further backing of her sails. Does rule 21.3 apply?

Answer 3
No. See answer 2.

Question 4
Yellow is moving astern and backs her jib to keep her bow head to wind. Does rule 21.3 apply?

Answer 4
The reason for backing a sail is irrelevant in determining if rule 21.3 applies. If, when backing the sail for any reason, Yellow is moving astern, or begins moving astern, rule 21.3 applies.