CALL UMP 6

Rule 10 On Opposite Tacks
Rule 18.2(c) Rounding and Passing Marks and Obstructions: Giving room; Keeping Clear

Question 1
Before the start Yellow and Blue are reaching on starboard tack. When Yellow enters the two-length zone of an anchored spectator boat she is clear ahead of Blue. Yellow passes to windward of it, bears away alongside it, then gybes in order to sail back around its stern. Very soon after Yellow gybes, Blue is still on starboard tack and has gained a small inside overlap. Blue changes course trying to avoid contact with Yellow but there is contact and there is a Y flag. What should the call be?

Answer 1
Rule 18.2(c) required Blue to keep clear until the boats had passed the obstruction, even if an overlap was established during the passing. Penalize Blue.

Question 2
How far beyond the obstruction may Yellow sail before gybing and still rely on rule 18.2(c)?

Answer 2
When it is clear that Blue has passed the obstruction, then rule 18 ceases to apply and Yellow may no longer rely on rule 18.2(c) to protect her when she gybes. (See also Answer 2 in CALL UMP 22.)