Rounding a windward Mark to Starboard

Tacktics 101 there, gains you an advantage if you are S and P cannot easily duck you and still make the mark.

S cannot tack in front of P though as she may fall foul of rule 16 (Changing Course) and rule 13 (While Tacking). 

The rules are a minefield and this is why upwind Stb mark roundings are usually best avoided unless you are team racing.

For those with little knowledge just getting into racing they are. Most of them are still working on getting the boat round a course rather than who is right or wrong. There are a lot of pitfalls which is why those who are more versed in the rules should seek to help educate rather than berate.

Out on the open circuit though you should know the rules much better (but it is surprising how many don't).

Originally posted by Brass Originally posted by jeffers and this is why upwind Stb mark roundings are usually best avoided unless you are team racing   Elvstrom didn't agree with this. Paul Elvstrom has always been a strong opponent of port rounding courses (Elvstrom Explains,Explanatory (Red) Section Rule 89.2)  The disadvantage of port rounding is that a boat approaching on port tack, even though she may really be leading ... may not be able to round the mark and can drop many places. Also the tendency is to use only the starboard side of the course.  With starboard rounding, a boat can always get round the mark by standing on a few lengths, but there are usually more protest situations.

In club situations, given my caveat above, they create far more problems but are sometimes unavoidable. My home club has Stb windward mark roundings usually at the end of the second beat and due to a limited sailing area. The experienced racers usually cope fine, those less experienced tend to suffer or get confused. if there is going to be an incident it is usually there.