On a dead run, all three boats on port, you are Yellow with Blue two lengths to leeward. Red comes up from clear astern and gets an overlap on the inside, between you and Blue. Blue is just a boat, not an obstruction, so do you have to let Red in?

Question

Accepted Answer

Yes. A boat racing is an obstruction to every boat that is required to keep clear of her (definition Obstruction, last sentence). You are to windward of Blue, so you keep clear of her (Rule 11), and so does Red. Blue is an obstruction to both of you. There is no mark and Blue is not a continuing obstruction, so Rule 19 applies, and Rule 19.2(b) says the outside boat gives the inside boat room between her and the obstruction. You had over two lengths of water when the overlap began, so you were able to give it. The catch: Red got her overlap from clear astern, to leeward and within two lengths. Rule 15 says she must at first give you room to keep clear, and Rule 17 says she may not sail above her proper course. She may come through the gap; she may not luff you out of the way. And she still has to keep clear of Blue the whole time. (World Sailing Case 11.)

On a dead run, all three boats on port, you are Yellow with Blue two lengths to leeward. Red comes up from clear astern and gets an overlap on the inside, between you and Blue. Blue is just a boat, not an obstruction, so do you have to let Red in?

Go deeper: books and gear

Next on this shelf — The Run

Rule 17 — Proper Course After Gaining a Leeward Overlap

You Overtook to Leeward — Now Give Room (Rule 12 → 11 → 15)

Starboard Squeezes Between Two Port Boats Downwind — Who's Wrong?