CASE 09

Rule 10, On Opposite Tacks
Rule 18.1(b), Rounding and Passing Marks and Obstructions: When This Rule Applies

When a starboard-tack boat chooses to sail past a windward mark, a port-tack boat must keep clear. There is no rule that requires a boat to sail a proper course.

Question
Two close-hauled boats on opposite tacks meet at a windward mark to be left to starboard. S has adequate room to tack and round the mark with due allowance for wind and current but instead of tacking, S holds her course with the intention of forcing P to tack to keep clear. Can P disregard rule 10 if she considers S to be sailing beyond her proper course and to have sufficient room to round the mark?

Answer
No; rule 10 applies. Rule 18.1(b) provides that the boats are not subject to rule 18; thus when S chooses to hold her course, P must keep clear. While in certain circumstances boats are prohibited from sailing below or above a proper course there is no rule that requires a boat to sail a proper course.

RYA 1964/2