Team Race - CALL A 06      

Rule 11 On the Same Tack, Overlapped
Rule 18.1 When this Rul 18 Applies
Rule 18.2 Giving Mark-Room

Definition Zone

Question 1
X and A are approaching a mark to be left as indicated by the arrows. Rule 17 does not apply to X. What is the latest time X may luff?

Answer 1
Rule 18 begins to apply when any part of the hull of either boat is in the zone.
From this moment, if X luffs and thereafter has to bear away in order to give A mark-room, then X breaks rule 18.2. X does not break rule 18.2 if she is able to luff while giving mark-room. A is required to keep clear under rule 11. However, she will be exonerated under rule 18.5(a) if she breaks rule 11 because X fails to give her mark-room.

Question 2
If X has to bear away to give mark-room, when is she required to do so?

Answer 2
X is required to bear away promptly when the first of the boats enters the zone.


When a boat is within the two-length zone (and not sailing away from the mark), she is 'about to pass' the mark. In windy conditions, in a strong favourable current, when spinnakers must be dropped, or when several boats are close to one another, a boat may be 'about to pass' when she is farther than two lengths from the mark.