When have you rounded the mark?

[San Juan Sailboats]

While crewing on a SJ24, we had this happen to us.

Two boats enter the 3 Boat length circle on port tack going down wind.
Boat A is clear ahead, Boat B is just behind. Rounding the mark, Boat B slipped behind Boat A's Transom and got inside. Both boats harden up on port tack.
Boat A then tacks to Starboard right in front of Boat B. Boat B had to tack or hit Boat A. Boat B hit the mark.
Boat A's skipper is arguring that he had rights as he was the first to enter the 3 boat circle and those rights don't end until you leave that circle.

Anyjuan got any ideas?

Boat B's argument is once youi get to close haul, you have rounded.

[Krysia Ry]

One of our local rules guys on Kootenay Lake, Craig Berg (Rocket 22 Wicked) believes the following:
"Good question. Rule 18.2(c) says that you no longer have to give mark room if a boat passes head to wind. So while the boat clear ahead when he entered the zone is entitled to mark room under 18.2(b), be loses that once he passes head to wind. Under rule 13 after a boat passes head to wind he has to keep clear of other boats until on a close hauled course. That's how I see it." From Craig via email.
Bill

[Krysia Ry]

Some of you might be interested in this UK sailmakers program. Won't make you faster but might give you the edge on somebody knockin' you around ( or how to avoid embarrassing yourself ).

http://www.uksailmakers.com/News/The-NE ... 1_747.html

Cheers
Bill

[Krysia Ry]

Some of you might be interested in this UK sailmakers program. Won't make you faster but might give you the edge on somebody knockin' you around ( or how to avoid embarrassing yourself ).

http://www.uksailmakers.com/News/The-NE ... 1_747.html

Cheers
Bill