CALL UMP 11              


Rule 16, Changing Course
Rule C2.4, While Tacking or Gybing

Question 1
Before the start Yellow and Blue are separated and not on a collision course. Blue intends to tack but after passing head to wind she loses way. Before Blue gets to a close-hauled course, Yellow bears away towards Blue. Blue is unable to take any avoiding action that would prevent a collision if Yellow were to stop bearing away. However, Yellow continues to bear away and passes astern of Blue. There is a Y flag. What should the call be?

Answer 1
Yellow's change of course required her to give Blue room to keep clear (rule 16.1). Yellow complies with rule 16.1 by bearing away continuously. The same answer would apply if Blue had succeeded in completing her tack and lost way. Display the green and white flag.

Question 2
Would the answer change if Blue's helmsman had intentionally handled his boat so as to lose steerage and to place it in a situation where it would not be possible to keep clear if Yellow should change to a collision course?

Answer 2
No. No rule prohibits Blue from being in the position she was in here, whether or not she does so deliberately.