Rule discussion of the week!
I covered Section A (Right of Way) rules and now I will look at Part 2, Section B rules:
Remember, Section A rules determine the Right-of-Way (ROW) boat, Section B are the Obligations and Limitations.
We will take a look at the first rule of Section B (Rule 14) this week.
Section B does not have a preamble message, but does have 4 rules that show obligations and limitations to
SECTION B – GENERAL LIMITATIONS
14 AVOIDING CONTACT
A boat shall avoid contact with another boat if reasonably possible. However, a right-of-way boat or one entitled to room or mark-room
(a) need not act to avoid contact until it is clear that the other boat is not keeping clear or giving room or mark- room, and
(b) shall not be penalized under this rule unless there is contact that causes damage or injury.
Keep Clear
One boat keeps clear of another if the other can sail her course with no need to take avoiding action and, when the boats are overlapped on the same tack, if the leeward boat can change course in both directions without immediately making contact with the windward boat.
Rule 14 is there for the purpose of SAFETY! Our hobby is very expensive and a collision with another boat can cost several hundred dollars to repair! This fact needs to be a primary concern of each sailor.
As you read Section B rules, you will notice that the rule is talking to specific people. Rule 14 is talking to both the ROW boat and the Keep Clear boat. Rule 14a is talking to the ROW boat. Rule 14b is talking to the Protest Committee. It can’t be emphasized enough the responsibility to avoid contact! If you are the Keep Clear boat, don’t wait until the last second to attempt to Keep Clear of a ROW boat!! A ROW boat not only has the right to sail a course of its choice, but has the right to expect the Keep Clear boat to KEEP CLEAR .