Simplified Right of Way Rules

Some Definitions

Starboard Tack

• The wind is coming from the right side of the boat. Boom is on the left side. # 89 is on Starboard

Port Tack

• The wind is coming from the left side of the boat. Boom is on the right side. # 81 is on Port
  
  # 81 a port tack boat shall keep clear of a starboard tack boat # 89.

Windward Boat

• On the same tack, you are the windward boat if the other boats boom lies on the side away from you.

Room

• The space a boat needs to maneuver in a seamanlike way.

Overlap

• Two boats on the same tack are overlapped IF a line abeam from the transom of the boat ahead cuts or falls behind the boat astern.

Right of Way

10--- A port tack boat shall keep clear of a starboard tack boat.

11---A windward boat shall keep clear of a boat to leeward.

12---A clear astern boat shall keep clear of a boat clear ahead.

13---While tacking, a boat shall keep clear of all other boats.

14---A boat shall avoid contact if possible and maybe disqualified if damage occurs.

15 & 16.1---A boat acquiring right of way or a right of way boat changing course shall give other boats room to keep clear.

17.1---A leeward boat shall not sail above her proper course while passing a windward boat.

17.2---A windward boat shall not sail below her proper course while being passed to leeward.

At Marks and Obstructions

18.1---A starting mark is not a mark of the course, no room need be given.

18.2c---An overlap is considered established when entering the four boat zone, even if it is broken later.

18.3---A boat which tacks inside the four boat zone loses her rights to room at the mark.

20---At the start, if recalled, keep clear of all boats that have started and return to the "right side" of the line around either end. You have no rights until started properly.

If you commit a foul, you must do a 360 degree penalty circle. It should be done as quickly as possible (clear of other boats) and before the next mark.

30.1---Dip starts are not permitted. You must be on the "right side" by rounding either end of the line.

31.2---If you touch a mark, you must do a 360 degree penalty circle after rounding (as soon as possible and keeping clear of other boats). If it's a starting mark, it is done after starting and if it's a finish mark, it is done after crossing the line, then returning to the "right side" of the finish line, and finishing again. While doing penalty turns you have no rights.

NOTE:

At the start, "barging" means trying to squeeze between a leeward boat and the starting line or starting line mark. Windward boat must keep clear.

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