Team Race - CALL F 03      

Rule 17 On the Same Tack; Proper Course

Question
A and X are reaching, both above their proper courses, with X just clear ahead and one length to windward of A. X bears away so that the boats become overlapped. A promptly bears away to a proper course. X protests. What should the call be?

Answer
Rule 17 begins to apply when the boats become overlapped. From that moment on, A must sail no higher than her proper course from the position she is in when the overlap begins (position 2) - i.e., she must sail no higher than a course that she would sail in the absence of X from position 2 to reach the next mark as quickly as possible. By bearing away promptly, A complies with this rule. No penalty.
The answer is the same if the overlap is established through A sailing faster rather than X bearing away.


A boat has no obligation to be on a proper course in anticipation of a proper course requirement that does not yet exist. A new requirement to sail a proper course applies from that time and from the position the boat is then in.