USA Appeal US33
Rule 16.1, Changing Course
Rule 16.2, Changing Course
To change course means to change the direction in which the boat is heading or moving.

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
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