Team Race - CALL B 05  

Rule 18.1 Rounding and Passing Marks and Obstructions: When this Rule Applies
Rule 18.2(a) Rounding and Passing Marks and Obstructions: Giving Room; Keeping Clear. Overlapped – Basic Rule
Definitions Obstruction

Question
Before the start, and before approaching the line to start, A and X are reaching towards a large moored boat overlapped with A half a length ahead. It appears that X intends to pass the stern of the boat, and A hails for room to pass on the inside of X. X does not bear away to provide room, and at the last moment A avoids the large boat by luffing sharply and passing to windward of it. Before the bow of X reaches the stern of the boat she gybes away so that she does not pass its stern. A protests. What should the call be?

Answer
The large boat is an obstruction, and X is sailing a course consistent with passing astern of it. Unless X alters course to pass to windward of it (which she is entitled to do), A may assume they are both going to pass to leeward of the obstruction, and X must give A room. By not doing so, X breaks rule 18.2(a). Penalize X.

Boats are 'about to round or pass' an obstruction (reference rule 18.1) when, while they are approaching the obstruction, their courses are consistent with leaving it on the same side. The obstruction does not need to have a required side.)