Q&A 2014-014
Neither the relevant Part 2 rules nor other rights or obligations for the boats are changed in Appendix E.
Situation
Two radio-controlled boats, L and W, approach the windward mark on starboard tack below the layline to the mark. The mark is to be rounded to port. L is unable to fetch the mark and has to sail the wrong side of the mark. W fetches the mark by luffing, rounds the mark and bears away onto the next leg.
Question
How do the rules now apply between the two boats and what are their rights and obligations from position 4?
Answer
Radio controlled sailing is governed by the rules in Appendix E. Neither the relevant Part 2 rules nor other rights or obligations for the boats are changed in Appendix E.
As a windward boat W continues to have an obligation to keep clear under rule 11 throughout the incident.
The boats are overlapped when they enter the 4-lengths zone. From that moment, W is required by rule Rule 18.2(b) to give mark-room to L. Mark-room in this situation includes room for L to sail to the mark, but not room for L to tack to round the mark as she is neither an inside windward boat, nor will she be fetching the mark after the tack.
When L luffs towards the mark from position 2, she is not able to fetch the mark. If L passes head to wind, rule 18 no longer applies and L will be required to keep clear as tacking boat under rule 13. L is being given room to luff up to head to wind, so W is giving mark-room and keeping clear.
After W rounds the mark, the boats are on different legs and both are required by rule Rule 24.2 to not interfere with the other, except when sailing their proper course. While the boats remain on the same tack, W must continue to keep clear of L under rule 11. This applies even if she is sailing her proper course and L is breaking rule 24.2.
Two radio-controlled boats, L and W, approach the windward mark on starboard tack below the layline to the mark. The mark is to be rounded to port. L is unable to fetch the mark and has to sail the wrong side of the mark. W fetches the mark by luffing, rounds the mark and bears away onto the next leg.
Question
How do the rules now apply between the two boats and what are their rights and obligations from position 4?
Answer
Radio controlled sailing is governed by the rules in Appendix E. Neither the relevant Part 2 rules nor other rights or obligations for the boats are changed in Appendix E.
As a windward boat W continues to have an obligation to keep clear under rule 11 throughout the incident.
The boats are overlapped when they enter the 4-lengths zone. From that moment, W is required by rule Rule 18.2(b) to give mark-room to L. Mark-room in this situation includes room for L to sail to the mark, but not room for L to tack to round the mark as she is neither an inside windward boat, nor will she be fetching the mark after the tack.
When L luffs towards the mark from position 2, she is not able to fetch the mark. If L passes head to wind, rule 18 no longer applies and L will be required to keep clear as tacking boat under rule 13. L is being given room to luff up to head to wind, so W is giving mark-room and keeping clear.
After W rounds the mark, the boats are on different legs and both are required by rule Rule 24.2 to not interfere with the other, except when sailing their proper course. While the boats remain on the same tack, W must continue to keep clear of L under rule 11. This applies even if she is sailing her proper course and L is breaking rule 24.2.
This call is valid until: 2016-12-31