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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.

Contents

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
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    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.
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    You have to complete your tack before you can run someone up
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    Barging vs not barging at the race committee boat
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    Tactical Tip: Don't put yourself in a bad situation on the starting line
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    Punch up to the pin after starting signal.jpg
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    You don't have to steer up to avoid the leeward boat until they have overlap and start turning up
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    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
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    You can punch up to the windward mark because you are sailing your proper course
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    You can tack in the zone, but you can't force a boat that fetching the mark to sail above close-hauled
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    You must give a boat approaching the mark room to keep clear as you change course when you round the mark
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    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
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    You must give mark-room at downwind mark, regardless of whether boats are on opposite tacks or the same tack
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    Finish

    Rules situations at the finish

    There is no mark-room at the upwind finish when boats are on opposite tacks
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    Punch up to the finishing mark after starting signal.jpg
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    You can punch up to the finishing mark because you are sailing your proper course, if you didn't tack in the zone
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    Must give mark-room at downwind finish.jpg
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    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
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