242 UNDE R S TANDING THE RAC ING RUL E S OF SAI L ING THROUGH 2 0 2 4
“What if it’s so windy or the boats are far enough apart that it is likely the hailed boat will not be able to hear a hail for room to tack or ‘You tack’?”
Rule 20.4(a) says, “When conditions are such that a hail may not be heard, the boat shall also make a signal that clearly indicates her need for room to tack or her response.” Examples of such signals include arm signals, whistle or horn blasts or even a hail on the radio. Note also that the notice of race may specify an alternative communication for a boat to indicate her need for room to tack or her response, and require boats to use it (rule 20.4(b)). In that case the alternative communication takes the place of the hail “You tack” in rule 20.2(c). (See Case 54.)
“Now do I know everything there is to know about room at marks and obstructions?”
