Sailing rules

Moomin

Rule 11 is not applicable because, according to the definition, both boats have the other boat on the windward side. The definition specifically does not say that the boat coming downhill is the windward boat. The definition of leeward is the side on which the mainsail lies. On a by the lee boat the windward side is the downwind side of the boat!

Rule 11 can only apply when one boat is windward boat and the other boat is the leeward boat. This is not the case here.

RRS definitions are not necessarily dictionary definitions!

 

Gordon

 

 

Originally posted by Stefan Lloyd A single-hander might sail 10 degrees or so by the lee. They aren't going to sail 40-45 degrees by the lee.

I agree with Stefan, a boat sailing 45 degrees by-the-lee will be going pretty slow(looking for a collision!), or, if the boom is set square to the wind, it wil capsize pretty quickly!

The exact course of the by the lee boat is irrelevant. According to the rules, the windward side of a boat sailing by the lee is the side of the boat furthest away from the wind. If this boat, on port tack, passes a port tack closed hauled boat, leaving the closed hauled boat to port, both boats have the other boat on their windward side. Rule 11, therefore does not apply. Neither does Rule 10, nor Rule 12

 

Gordon

 Stefan,

Excuse me for insisting on this question. However, this example does depend on a clear reading of the exact wording of the RRS definitions. If we cannot agree on these definitions and their application then the RRS lose much of their usefulness as a means of regulating participants behaviour on the water.

Stefan said - a boat running on port by the lee will be approached by a beating port tacker from the port side (as viewed from the running boat).

I think we can agree on that.

He then said : The port side is the running boats's leeward side (see definitions section).

This is not true...a by the lee boat on port tack will have her mainsail on the starboard side...the definition specifically states " However, when sailing by the lee or directly down wind, her leeward side is the side on which her mainsail lies." This definition simplifies the problem of identifying on which tack a boat is sailing

According to the definition the leeward side of a by the lee port tack boat is the starboard side, and her windward side is the port side. She would expect any other overlapped port tack boat on her windward, that is port side, to keep clear under Rule 11. The problem is that the windward side of all port tack boats beating up towards her also expect all overlapped port tack boats on their windward side to keep clear...

If someone could explain how I could integrate an image into this messsage I could demonstrate this very easily.

 

Gordon

At the end of the day I think we can all agree that the guy running on port should just gybe - then he has right of way, no question. So - he's a twat. If in doubt, flick the twat. A simple rule but it works for me.