Team Race - CALL B 04     

Rule 13 While Tacking
Rule 16.1 Changing Course

Question 1
A and X are separated and not on a collision course. X intends to tack but after passing head to wind she loses way. Before X is on a close-hauled course, A bears away onto a collision course with X. X is unable to take any avoiding action that would prevent contact if A were to stop bearing away. However, A bears away continuously and passes astern of X. A protests. What should the call be?

Answer 1
No penalty. A’s change of course at position 1 requires her to give X room to keep clear (rule 16.1). Because X has lost way, she does not have room to keep clear if A maintains her course. A complies with rule 16.1 by bearing away further.


Question 2
Will the answer change if X’s helmsman intentionally loses steerage and places the boat in a situation where it will be impossible to keep clear if A changes to a collision course?

Answer 2
No. Whether or not she does so deliberately, no rule prohibits X from being in the position she is in here, or requires her to anticipate A’s change of course.

A right-of-way boat changing course may comply with rule 16.1 by changing course further and thus giving the other boat room to keep clear. ( See also Call D3 )