Case 132

Rule 16.2 states that it applies between boats on opposite tacks on a beat to windward. Rule 18.1(a)(1) states that rule 18 does not apply between boats on opposite tacks on a beat to windward. For the purpose of these rules, when are boats on opposite tacks ‘on a beat to windward’?

Two boats on opposite tacks are ‘on a beat to windward’ when, after their starting signal,

1. the course each of them would choose in order to sail the course as quickly as possible, in the absence of all other boats, is close-hauled or above, or
2. one or both of them are overstanding a close-hauled layline to their next mark. (A boat on the windward side of a close-hauled layline to a leeward mark is not ‘overstanding’ that layline; she is ‘above’ that layline.)

In each of the situations 1 to 6 that follow, the boats shown are on opposite tacks ‘on a beat to windward’ and are either below, on or overstanding a close-hauled layline to the next mark of their course. This mark may be a rounding mark, a passing or limit mark, a gate mark or a finishing mark.

Situations 5 and 6 illustrate two boats ‘on a beat to windward’ in the zone of a mark to be left to port. In situation 5 condition (1) applies and in situation 6 condition (2) applies.

In situation 7 each pair of boats below is ‘on a beat to windward’ and the starboard-tack boats are each subject to rule 16.2.