Sailing rules

Hmm, very intersting. I've read through these posts & then the rules & it seems you've come up with some interesting stuff!

It seems it's windward/leeward (using "...When two boats on the same tack overlap, the one on the leeward side of the other is the leeward boat." [ISAF Def: Leeward & Windward]) unless they are heading directly towards each other when rule 14 applies?

I just also had a thought i'd throw in...
Surely if the boat that is running by the lee to go as far as heading straight towards a beating boat on the same tack is going to be surfing on waves? And surely then they are going to be doing transitions between broad reaching & running by the lee? Surely then this is changing course & they are going to have to give the beating boat room to keep clear (under rule 15), which must surely be a considerable time as they are going to have to tack? And so in the event of a collision the beating boat will argue this & take the protest?

Just a thought. (Sorry if it's a repeated point)

Hu? I'm a little confused.

I don't really see your point. Is it because I talked about the boat moving between broad reaching & running by the lee? I used this example as it is common, it is difficult to explain any other way & to show that the boat would be varying its course. I didn't mean to make it sound that boats have differing rights based on the point of sail they are on (as I took from your statement).

Yeah, sorry for the confusion. I was only using the example as a matter of ease to avoid saying "when the boat's compass heading changes from 150 degrees to 200 degrees based on a wind averaging from 000". I'm not sure if this is even correct as I don't use a compass & seems a little long winded (if you will excuse the pun)! I just assumed everyone would know I intended a change of course, as it is the most common usage of the wording.

Although this possibly would have been clearer if I'd included the compass headings.

Aye, well said.

Cheers Calum

John was talking about surfing on waves. Pretty obviously therefore, this would not be inland in light and fluky conditions. He is discussing the kind of radical and frequent course changes some boats and helms can use to advantage e.g. http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/downloads/?s=73&Article Number=5 and I think he was entirely "clear and precise".

Now Gordon, we are duly convinced that you are very knowledgable, but how about answering the questions being asked instead of whatever you feel like talking about?