Questions
What is the meaning of “change course” in rules
16.1 and
16.2? Is it a change of course for a boat to sail an arc of a circle? If she does not move her helm in doing so, is she nonetheless changing course?
Answers
Yes, a boat changes course when she sails the arc of a circle or any other course where she changes direction, whether or not she moves her helm. This includes a change from moving forward to moving backward, or vice-versa. To change course means to change the direction in which the boat is heading or moving.
November 1974
Interpretation Requested by the Noroton Yacht Club