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Part 5: Right of Way

Course
19 Lessons

When sharing the practice course or racing with other boats, sail with confidence by knowing the most common right-of-way rules applications at each part of the course. It also includes some tactical options you might want to consider in those situations to avoid fouls.

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Welcome to Part 5

Starting Line

Rules application at the starting line

You can punch up to pin at after the starting signal because you are sailing your proper course

There is no mark-room at the starting mark when boats are approaching the start of the race. The preamble to Section C states that the section (rules 18-20) do not apply at a starting mark surrounded by water. Note: Rules 18-20 do apply if the boats are not starting (e.g. 2:00 before the start). In this scenario, the inside boats would be entitled to mark room.

You have to complete your tack before you can run someone up

Barging vs not barging at the race committee boat

Tactical Tip: Don't put yourself in a bad situation on the starting line

Punch up to the pin after starting signal.jpg

You don't have to steer up to avoid the leeward boat until they have overlap and start turning up

Windard Mark

Rules situations at the Windward Mark

There is no mark room at the windward mark when boats enter the zone on opposite tacks

You can punch up to the windward mark because you are sailing your proper course

You can tack in the zone, but you can't force a boat that fetching the mark to sail above close-hauled

You must give a boat approaching the mark room to keep clear as you change course when you round the mark

Downwind Mark/Gate

Rules situations at the downwind mark or gate.

A right-of-way boat entitled to mark room my take a wide tactical rounding

You must give mark-room at downwind mark, regardless of whether boats are on opposite tacks or the same tack

Finish

Rules situations at the finish

There is no mark-room at the upwind finish when boats are on opposite tacks

Punch up to the finishing mark after starting signal.jpg

You can punch up to the finishing mark because you are sailing your proper course, if you didn't tack in the zone

Must give mark-room at downwind finish.jpg

You can tack in the zone at the finishing mark, but you can't force a boat that is fetching the mark to sail above close-hauled