I am looking for some clarification to this scenario.

Prior to the start, Red boat is clear ahead and to windward of Green boat.

As Red and Green boats approach the start line, at what position must Red keep clear as Green approaches to leeward. Pictures 1-3 demonstrates.

Additionally, whilst maneuvering and if Green collides to leeward of the Red boat and in the vicinity of Reds transom area, who would be at fault? 
 

Regards

JT

Photo 1

 

Photo 2

 

Photo 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 23, 20232 yr by John Taylor

Hi John,
What you are asking is about the transition when ROW changes.

I touch on these issues on my web site, in Chapter  2 Starts see pg 11 and 12. And Chapter 4 Hailing and other rules. Pg 10 and 11 and in Chapter 1 The Definitions, see pg 5 through 9.
https://sites.google.com/site/johnsrcsailingrulesandtactics/

Basically the rules involved are 11, 12, 15, 16.1 (not 17 as it is before the start) plus the definitions for room to keep clear.

While Red is clear ahead, she is ROW and need take no action, and Green, clear astern must keep clear under R 12. As they are not overlapped yet, windward/leeward does not apply.

Once they become overlapped, with Green to leeward, ROW changes as Green becomes ROW under R 11 and Red becomes obligated to begin to keep clear. As ROW changed, R 15 applies briefly, and so the overlap must give room for Red to be able to keep clear – if there is contact as Red alters course then sufficient room was not given and Green breaks R 15.

If there is sufficient room for Red to keep clear, but then Green begins to luff up, then R 16.1 requires Green as ROW altering course for Red to be able to keep clear. If Green is aggressive and there is contact, it is likely that Green breaks R 16.1.

John

John

Thank you for your clarification. As soon as the leeward boat (Green) crosses the transom line of the windward boat (Red), this is where the keeping clear rules start. That answers my question.

However, it does appear as the scenario develops the ROW rules will change depending on the actions and positioning of the 2 boats.  

Thanks again, its worth remembering.

JT

Edited August 23, 20232 yr by John Taylor