Rules Discussion

Tacking at Leeward Mark

There was some confusion yesterday at practice over a particular rule so I wanted to pass on some clarification.  Paul, this is the video I think you were referring to http://www.sailgroove.org/speaker/1804-Matt-Knowles/video/84529-Episode-7-A-New-Mark-Trap

This loop hole was removed when they released changes to the rules in 2010.  18.2(b) was changed from:

When a boat is required to give mark-room by rule 18.2(b), she

shall continue to do so even if later an overlap is broken or a

new overlap begins. However, if either boat passes head to

wind or if the boat entitled to mark-room leaves the zone, rule

18.2(b) ceases to apply.

TO:

When a boat is required to give mark-room by rule 18.2(b), she

shall continue to do so even if later an overlap is broken or a

new overlap begins. However, if the boat entitled to markroom

passes head to wind or leaves the zone, rule 18.2(b)

ceases to apply.

This means that 18.2(b) still applies to the boat that tacks because only if "the boat entitled to mark room" passes head to wind does 18.2(b) cease to apply.  This change was added to the rules jan 1 2010.  Be sure to note the changes in your rule books.

Also, I wanted to point out the following two calls from the team race call book.  They are good examples of the difference between Keep Clear and Mark Room.  The calls are J4 and J5 from the call book here:http://www.sailing.org/tools/documents/TRCallBookforTeamRacingfor20092012updatedNov2010-[9670].pdf

Scott