by Capt. Flak » Sat Dec 01, 2012 11:13 am
Joe and all,
The rules are pretty simple. There are 5 basic rules to racing sailboats. The first and most import one is Sportsmanship. We must at all times sail fair, sail clean and do our turns or withdraw when we screw up. The next four are about as easy as they come. (10) Starboard has right of way over Port. (11) Leeward has right of way over Windward. (12) Clear Ahead has right of way over Clear Behind. And (13), you have no right of way while tacking.
Yes, I know, I did not use the complete wording in the rule book. The point is the rules are very easy to understand. All the other rules modify these basic rules when we are approaching and passing marks and obstructions or when we are acquiring the right of way. It is not important to memorize the fine detail of the other rules in order to sail clean and fair. If you are unsure, the best option is to avoid the situation and sail some extra distance. The rules of Part B and Part C are designed to get us past the marks and obstructions as safely and as cleanly as possible when we use them correctly.
If you get there first, the other guy needs to give you room. If you get there together, give each other room. If you get there last, stay the hell out of the way. Yes you can really get into the details and show where I am not stating this correctly and there are other factors that apply, but this is basically what the rules are saying.
My point is the rules work and when properly applied (meaning used correctly to your advantage and agreed to correctly when you are in the wrong) we all win. Yes, there are going to be times (lots of them) when there is a dispute over what just happened and who should do a turn. That is where the protest room comes in and we all learn from it. It should not be looked upon as a horrible place to be avoided. But if we all do our part to sail fair, talk to each other as we get close so we understand what the other guy intends to do or to wake him up before he smacks into you, things will go a lot smoother and our time on the water will be more enjoyable.
Joe Walter #24