Luffing rights

Tradition is probably as good an answer as any...

But I suppose it was about blocking people who came from behind and attempted to take your wind.

My unreliable memory tells me that even before mast abeam was removed you couldn't luff when overtaking from astern. I assume it has been kept all through from the IRPCS and overtaking boat keep clear. It also seems "fair", though as some rules don't, you can't always judge things by that.

I don't wish to be rude, but technically, 'luff' and 'luffing' are highly ambiguous terms which have not been used or defined in the RRS since 1995.

Their use almost always causes confusion in rules discussions.

If you are talking and thinking in terms of 'luffing rights', then you are applying the wrong conceptual approach to the modern rules.

The issues here are simply:

* Has a windward boat kept clear;

* Has a leeward boat changing course towards the wind given a windward overlapped boat room to keep clear as required by rule 16; and

* Has a boat that has become overlapped to leeward from clear astern within two of her hull lengths sailed above her proper course contrary to rule 17.

As others have said, the old concept of luffing rights was probably meant to implement a basic human right of a boat ahead to 'protect her wind' or something.

That is still available through the ability of a right of way leeward boat to change course, subject to the limitations of rules 16 and 17.

To luff as a leeward, overtaking boat, you had get to clear ahead, and then when WW established a new overlap, you could luff her. 

Clear ahead and then you could luff until your mast was level with their helm, roughly,and they would say "mast abeam". You'll still hear it sometimes, even now...

Personally, I think I preferred having limits on the luffing.

And yes, the idea now is whether you are not constrained from sailing above your proper course, but it is still luffing, were all know that!