Beginner questions: Racing Rules: On the offensive

Print Page | Close Window

Racing Rules: On the offensive

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Beginner questions
Forum Discription: Advice for those who are new to sailing
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4658
Printed Date: 06 Aug 25 at 8:27am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Racing Rules: On the offensive

Posted By: ellistine
Subject: Racing Rules: On the offensive
Date Posted: 15 Sep 08 at 11:43pm

I've been reading a lot of the Olympic write ups in the various magazines and how My Ainslie and Mr Goodison employed agressive tactics to make sure their opponents didn't beat them.

At the same time I've been trying to learn the ISAF rules which seem to be there primarily to work out who's got right of way in a multitude of different situations.

How does a sailer employee aggresive moves against another sailer? Surely the victim must have right of way some of the time?

And what is lee bow? Seems a popular one that.

Replies:

Posted By: alstorer
Date Posted: 16 Sep 08 at 7:35am

Lee Bow is the projection of a boat's "wind shadow"- the area of air made turbulent by passing over its sails- to windward, affecting a boat trying to pass close to windward. Effectively, you even out the pressure on both sides of their sails- it's quite common for a windward boat to pretty much stop. The effect is enhanced by heeling the boat on top of you (careful you don't touch rigs) and even, oddly, flogging your jib (unbattened, "soft", jibs only).

Some boats, though, really don't seem to project much- try as I might I couldn't get a Vareo to put down effective lee-bow.

Posted By: MerlinMags
Date Posted: 16 Sep 08 at 1:20pm

You can use the right-of-way rules agressively, you just have to manoevre yourself into the commanding position first! It is not easy, but if you can move yourself into the right place to create a right-of-way conflict (and be in the right) then the other boat will have to keep clear, and you have a degree of control over them.