Windward /leeward

The Leeward boat has Right of Way (RRS 11), Section A rule

The Leeward boat is restricted in what it can do by Section B rules, particularly RRS15 and RRS17.

In particular RRS 17 says that if the overlap was established from behind rather than below, the leeward boat may not sail above her proper course. Proper Course is defined in the definitions, which are a vital and arguable understudied part of the rules. The proper course is the one you would sail in the absence of other boats.

In simplified practical terms this means that the leeward boat may not luff the windward boat or sail higher because of the wind shadow of the windward boat, but if the leeward boat was sailing higher before the boats became overlapped she may continue to do so.

The windward boat must always keep clear of the leeward boat, even if it means sailing higher than she wants to. The course the windward boat would like to sail is irrelevant because she doesn't have right of way. Its important to note that keep clear means rather more than not touch. If the two boats are 6 inches apart windward has failed to keep clear.

Very roughly speaking windward must keep clear, but leeward is restricted from aggressive boat on boat tactical manouvers.

Edited by JimC - 20 Jun 16 at 5:01pm