Rule 11 On the Same tack
Rule 16.1 Changing Course
Definitions Keep Clear and Room
Question 1
Shortly after the start Yellow and Blue are close-hauled on port tack. The boats
are overlapped and Yellow is keeping clear to windward. Rule 17 does not apply.
As the boats pass to leeward of mark L, an inflatable buoy that is not a mark
on this leg, Blue luffs and Yellow responds. Yellow stops luffing when she hits
the mark amidships, which causes Blue to curtail her luff. Both boats display
flag Y.
What should the call be?
Answer 1
When Blue, the right of way boat, changes course she has to give room according
to rule 16.1. It is not seamanlike to hit a mark. Penalize Blue. Because mark
L is not a mark on this leg, rules 18 and 31 do not apply.
Question 2
Would the answer be the same if the boats were passing to leeward of an object
that was not big enough to rank as an obstruction, but nevertheless limited
her ability to respond and/or could cause damage to the hull or foils?
Answer 2
Yes. Provided Yellow was initially keeping clear, Blue must give her room to
respond in a seamanlike way when she changes course.