Tacking in zone

Originally posted by sundowner6959

Originally posted by sundowner6959

The race was on an inland loch with the wind flicking through 30 degrees so whether B was fetching or on the layline is difficult to determine but I would assume he was above the layline.
If Y had not tacked below B but had been abreast and on the same starboard tack and on the layline within 2 boat lengths and the wind shifted 15 deg.(header) would Y not be entitled to shoot the mark with B giving room? 

You cannot assume anything. Whether the wind shifted or not would be a matter for the PC to determine in their 'facts found' as would whether or not B was (far enough) above the layline or not.

Breaking it down. Rule 18 'switches on' when Y reaches the zone at point 1. As they are on opposite tacks at this point Rule 18 does not apply (18.1a).

When Y tacks at point 3 they are not entitled to 'Mark Room' as the rules clearly state that 18.2 does not apply between them.

18.3a allows Y to sail above close hauled as long as they do not cause B to sail above close hauled or prevent them from rounding the mark. As there was contact between them it shows that something clearly went wrong. 

As Y also changed course to go above I believe Rule 15 applies.

So unless Y can prove that B was well above the layline and could have changed course to a close hauled course then the odds are definitely not in their favour but B is also not required to react to Y unless it is obvious they are not keeping clear. B may have assume Y would sail astern of her and tack.

Without a witness the case for Y does not look good. My gut feeling in this case is that most PCs would find in favour of B unless there is a witness involved.

The rules are stacked against latecomers at a windward mark on port, for a good reason IMO. 

So my advice is, if you are going to come in late on port make sure you have a gap to go in and if it doesn;t work you need to bail out (bail out protest later).