CASE 103

Definitions Room

The phrase ‘seamanlike way’ in the definition Room refers to boat-handling that can reasonably be expected from a competent, but not expert, crew of the appropriate number for the boat.

Summary of the Facts
Two 30-foot boats on port tack, OL and IW, are approaching a leeward mark to be left to port. They are overlapped as they enter the two-length zone, with IW on the inside. Although boats of this class are normally sailed by a crew of six, IW is sailing with a crew of three, and they are relatively inexperienced.

Question 1
Should the experience and number of crew members sailing IW be considered in determining how much ‘room’ she is entitled to under rule 18.2(a)?

Answer 1
Neither the experience of IW’s crew nor their number is relevant in determining ‘room’. In rule 18.2(a), which requires OL to give IW ‘room’ to round or pass the mark, ‘room’ is a definied term. The definition Room is ‘the space a boat needs in the existing conditions while manoeuvring promptly in a seamanlike way’. In determining whether or not OL has given the required space, the interpretation of ‘seamanlike way’ must be based on the boat- handling that can reasonably be expected from a competent, but not expert, crew of the appropriate number for the boat.

Question 2 Is the answer the same with respect to rules 15, 16.1 and 19.1?

Answer 2 Yes.

USSA 1999/77