Team Race - CALL F 01      

Rule 17 On the Same Tack; Proper Course

Question
Under what circumstances can A establish a leeward overlap from clear astern and still have the right to sail above her proper course?

Answer
Figure 1: The overlap is established when the boats are more than two lengths apart. Rule 17 doesn’t apply to A and she is entitled to sail above her proper course.

Figure 2: The overlap is established when the boats are less than two lengths apart. A may not sail above her proper course while the boats remain within this distance. However if A sails more than two lengths away from X without breaking the overlap, she no longer has a proper course restriction and is entitled to sail above her proper course.


The distance between boats is measured between the closest points of hull, crew or equipment in normal position.