Racing Rules: Sailing Backwards

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Sailing Backwards

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Racing Rules
Forum Discription: Discuss the rules and your interpretations here
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2841
Printed Date: 08 Aug 25 at 1:35am
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Topic: Sailing Backwards

Posted By: redback
Subject: Sailing Backwards
Date Posted: 09 Apr 07 at 12:09am

I do hope we haven't been here before. What is the situation when sailing backwards before the start. Since there is no "proper course" is it a straight windward/leeward type situation with regard to other boats, or if a boat bumps you up the transom are they penailsed as "overtaking boat"?

In another situation that can occur. To stop going backwards its necessary to bring the stern round so that you are across the wind and for a moment you are stopped. I assume the boats to leeward have to give you reasonable opportunity to get going forwards and so mustn't "T-bone" you which may mean 2 or 3 all stopping whilst they are parallel and beating to windward?

Replies:

Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 09 Apr 07 at 1:14am

Originally posted by redback

if a boat bumps you up the transom are they penailsed as "overtaking boat"?

Which rule would that be?

Originally posted by redback

I assume the boats to leeward have to give you reasonable opportunity to get going forwards and so mustn't "T-bone" you which may mean 2 or 3 all stopping whilst they are parallel and beating to windward?

Why? If you're windward boat you are required to keep clear. If you get yourself into a position where you can't keep clear then surely all you can do is your turns...

Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 09 Apr 07 at 8:58am

I was always told if you are 'going astern' then you have no rights over anyone else and must keep clear at all times. Not sure what the rule number is offhand though.

I avoid having to go backwards at pretty much any cost, a well timed run in to the line works much better also dont forget if you are lurking on the line and moving slowly and someone goes to leeward of you and starts screaming for you to go up it is tough because they have to give you time to respond.....

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Paul
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D-Zero GBR 74

Posted By: Stefan Lloyd
Date Posted: 09 Apr 07 at 10:44am

Originally posted by JimC

Originally posted by redback

if a boat bumps you up the transom are they penailsed as "overtaking boat"?

Which rule would that be?

Rule 12 would apply so you can't bash a boat up the stern. Proper course doesn't come into it.

12 When boats are on the same tack and not overlapped, a boat clear astern shall keep clear of a boat clear ahead.

JimC is presumably pointing out that the word "overtaking" does not appear in the RRS.

Posted By: Stefan Lloyd
Date Posted: 09 Apr 07 at 10:47am

Originally posted by jeffers

I was always told if you are 'going astern' then you have no rights over anyone else and must keep clear at all times. Not sure what the rule number is offhand though.

20.3 A boat moving astern by backing a sail shall keep clear of one that is not.

Posted By: Stefan Lloyd
Date Posted: 09 Apr 07 at 10:52am

Originally posted by redback

I assume the boats to leeward have to give you reasonable opportunity to get going forwards and so mustn't "T-bone"

R14 requires them to avoid contact. R15 requires them to initially give you room to keep clear. Nothing requires them to be so obliging as to allow you to fall onto a reach to start moving forwards again.