Page 67 - Call Book for Team Racing 2017-2020

TR CALL F3

Rule 17 On the Same Tack; Proper Course

Question

Y and B are reaching, both above their proper courses, with B just clear ahead
and one length to windward of Y. B bears away so that the boats become
overlapped. Y promptly bears away to a proper course. B protests. What should
the call be?

B1
B2

B3

Y1 Y2
Proper course
to next mark
Y3

Answer

No penalty.

Rule 17 begins to apply when the boats become overlapped. From that moment
on, Y must sail no higher than her proper course from the position she is in
when the overlap begins (position 2) - i.e., she must sail no higher than a course
that she would sail in the absence of B from position 2 to reach the next mark as
quickly as possible. By bearing away promptly, Y complies with this rule.

The answer is the same if the overlap is established through Y sailing faster
rather than B bearing away.

A boat has no obligation to be on a proper course in anticipation of a proper
course requirement that does not yet exist. A new requirement to sail a proper
course applies from that time and from the position the boat is then in.

Section F - Reaching