Rules Quiz
The Situation
Two boats, Red and Green, on opposite tacks are
approaching a starting line to start. The wind is fairly
light (5-8 knots) and there is a strong current setting both
boats to windward.
Facts Found:
As the boats approached each other, Green hailed
“Starboard Tack” and Red responded “Hold your
course” to indicate that she intended to pass astern of
Green. As Red altered her course, Green realized that
the current was setting her across the starting line so
she started to bear off in order to avoid being OCS. As
Green bore off, Red was forced to continue turning in
order to avoid a collision and while the two hulls did not
touch, Green’s mainsail and jib made contact with Red’s
topsides. Both boats protested. Green under Rule 10
and Red under Rule 16. Green contended that she was
perfectly within her rights as a starboard tack boat to
steer a course that prevented her from being OCS.
Conclusions and Rules that apply:
Rule 16.1 is very specific and right on point in this
situation. When a right of way boat (in this case Green)
changes course, she must give the other boat (in this
case Red) Room (see definition of ROOM) to Keep Clear.
In this case there was nothing Red could have done to
prevent the collision because Green was continually
altering her course to stay to leeward of the starting line.
Green is DSQ for breaking Rule 16.1.
For an animated version of this situation, visit
www.ukhalsey.com, Rules Quiz 25.
48° No r t h , No v e m b e r 2009 Pa g e 50
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