RACING
This little update is possibly of most interest to those
participating in Cruiser handicap racing. The three scenarios
relate to overtaking to leeward on a windward leg. Two
different types of yacht. Same race.
2
3
3
“Protest”
“Protest”
2
2
B
Two boats are on a beat to the windward mark on the same
tack and have been on the same tack for at least half a minute.
One, a smaller faster modern boat (A) gains an overlap to
leeward of her competitor (B) a larger older cruising type yacht.
The overlap is established quite close—within two of the larger
boats lengths.
3
2
The crew on boat A believes that if they come up hard on the
wind they will make the mark without having to tack. If they do
this, boat B will be forced to luff up and maybe have to tack
away or go above close hauled.
If you believe A has sailed above her proper course and/or
unnecessarily pushed you up above her proper course and
then borne away you should avoid contact and protest her.
1
2
Wind
1
1
B
1
3 “Protest”
3
Wind
You may not luff up above your proper course. That is the
Wind
course you would sail to make the mark in the fastest way if
If you believe that her proper course is above your close hauled
course you may well consider tacking away early.
Scenario 3
1
A
Once the overlap is established, you must respond immediately
to the best of your ability if boat A luffs up .You do not have
to anticipate the overlap and do not have to respond until it is
established.
You need to remember that the leeward boat (A) may well be
able to point higher than you and her proper course may be
higher than yours. She does not need to be mindful of your
situation in this regard.
1
Scenario 1
A
You are in an unenviable position.
You must keep clear.
3
What are the rights and obligations of both boats? What must
they do or not do? What rules apply?
1
1
If you are B
Wind
“Protest”
2
3
3
2
2
3
Thoughts on Racing rules
Wind
Wind
Racing
3
What rules apply?
Refer to the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) 2013 to 2016 (Part 2).
Check out the definition of ‘proper course’ and the rules of
Part 2: 11 (same tack, overlapped) and 17 (same tack proper
course).
Note that for both boats A and B rule 14 (avoiding contact) is
always in force.
Boat A should check out rule 15 (giving the other boat room
and opportunity to keep clear) and also check rule 16.1 which
is, of course, related.
If you are A
2
there were no other boats around.
As Boat A if you do luff up to your proper course (and never
higher) you must do so in a way that allows the other boat (B)
the time and opportunity to keep clear.
3 “Protest”
3
3 above your proper cour ͔