Windward mark to port

OK, this happened on Sunday. I'm coming into a mark, on the layline, on port and tacking round it to port. A boat which has over stood the mark comes down from the windward side on a close reach (also on port) and demands water. Am I right in thinking that I don't have to give him room, as it is a windward mark, even though he would have water at another mark? I forced him to tack off and go round, as I was always taught that at the windward mark you take the mark away, and then you have a windward boat situation. Am I right, or have the rules changed, or was I always wrong?

I'm fairly sure it has always been the case that boats in that situation would have to give room, as long as you are overlapped at the two boat circle, ovbiously. 

Edited by Lukepiewalker

As I said, if he doesn't have an overlap at the two boat length circle you can push him up (subject to giving room to keep clear), but if you are overlapped then you have to let him round inside.

Originally posted by Lukepiewalker The rules don't distinguish between windward marks and other marks.

Yes they do, but not in the situation described. Rule 18 does not apply between boats on opposite tacks at a windward mark. Since both boats were on port here, rule 18 does apply and the windward boat was entitled to room.

When This Rule Applies

Rule 18 applies when boats are about to round or pass a mark they are

required to leave on the same side, or an obstruction on the same side,

until they have passed it. However, it does not apply

(a) at a starting mark surrounded by navigable water or at its anchor

line from the time the boats are approaching them to start until

they have passed them, or

(b) while the boats are on opposite tacks, either on a beat to windward

or when the proper course for one of them, but not both, to

round or pass the mark or obstruction is to tack.

 

Fair enough Stefan! Though it would have been difficult on this particular course to do anything else. Luckily, it is a situation that comes up rarely.