Team Race - CALL D 09  

Rule D1.1(a) On the Same Tack; Proper Course, Windward Boat

Question
Rule D1.1(a) refers to 'on a beat to windward'. When is a boat considered to be on a beat to windward?

Answer
A boat is on a beat to windward when her proper course is to sail no lower than close-hauled.
If a boat is sailing towards the windward mark and is clearly well above the layline because she has over-stood it, or because of a windshift, she is no longer on a beat to windward.
If there is any doubt, or if she is only marginally above the layline, it is assumed that she is on a beat to windward.
This has significance with regard to rule 17.2, as modified by rule D1.1(a).
When a boat sailing towards the windward mark is clearly well above the layline and subject to this rule she may not sail below her proper course.

A close-hauled course is any course a boat might sail to achieve her maximum velocity made good to windward in the existing sea and wind conditions. A leg is considered a beat to windward for a boat if her proper course at that time is close-hauled or above close-hauled; a leg where this is no longer true is no longer a beat to windward.