Hello,
We had a nice set of short course races last night in about 8 kts steady from the East. We had several good close boat starts and mark roundings which exercised our knowledge of the yacht racing rules, not to mention that we were racing in the same cove as PRSA, so we also had to maneuver around their boats. One rule in particular is worth bringing up, as I did not know it myself until last year, and I think many might not know this rule:
Two boats are sailing on the downwind leg, boat A is in the lead, and is on port tack, boat B is just behind A, and is on starboard tack. Boat B, is behind but is quickly overtaking boat A and is about to hit boat A. Who has the right of way in this situation?
If you thought boat B had the right of way, since she is on a starboard tack, you are correct. I used to think that since boat B was overtaking, that she must give way to A. But that is not the case. It is actually boat A that must avoid boat B, since boat A is on a port tack. The lesson here is that when you are sailing downwind in a pack of boats, try to keep your boom on the side of the boat that establishes that you are on a starboard tack.
Our 3 boats were full last night, as Ms Elli is out of service. Thanks to SCOW member Tom Barnes for taking several of us out in his Flying Scot and racing with us. Ms Elli should be back in service in about a week. Look forward to seeing you next week for more racing when Deepak returns.
Jim
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