CASE 101

Rule 19.1(b) Room to Tack at an Obstruction

When, in reply to her call for room to tack when close-hauled approaching an obstruction, a boat is hailed ‘You tack’, and when she does so and is then able to tack again to keep clear in a seamanlike way, the other boat has given the room required.

Summary of the Facts
A and B were International Dragons. A was approaching the shore close-hauled on starboard tack, clear ahead and to leeward of B. A hailed for room to tack, and B replied ‘You tack.’ A tacked and B held her course. A was then on a collision course with B and tacked again. After her second tack A was overlapped to leeward of B. Shortly afterwards B tacked and A did likewise. A protested B for not giving room as required by rule 19.1(b).
The protest committee concluded that B failed to give A ‘room to tack and avoid her’, and disqualified B, stating that she had ‘failed to keep clear of A after her tack.’ B appealed.

Decision
Appeal upheld. A’s actions show that she had room to tack and avoid B. B therefore met her obligation under rule 19.1(b). (See also Case 35.)

RYA 2001/11