Rule 11 On the Same Tack, Overlapped Rule 15 Acquiring Right of Way
Question
Before the start, A is sailing slowly and X establishes an overlap from
clear astern. At the time the overlap is established A can keep clear
by maintaining her course and accelerating. Instead A delays her response
and then luffs, and her stern hits X. There is a protest. What should
the call be?
Answer
Penalize A. When X gains her overlap she must initially give A room to
keep clear. X fulfils her obligations under rule 15, because, when the
overlap is established, A can keep clear by maintaining her course and
accelerating, or by luffing. However, when A delays her response, and
then elects to luff and there is contact, she fails to keep clear. A breaks
rule 11.
When a keep-clear boat reacts appropriately and in a timely manner, but
is unable to keep clear, the right-of-way boat fails to give room and
will be penalized for breaking rule 15.
When a keep clear boat reacts slowly, or in an inappropriate manner, and
then fails to keep clear, the keep clear boat will be penalized for failing
to keep clear.
When one boat acquires right of way, the other boat must promptly take appropriate
action to try to keep clear. Depending on the circumstances, this action may include
accelerating or tacking.