Who has right of way when Goosewinging?

[john_morris_uk]

I think your question has been answered already, but to reinforce the correct interpretation.

Firstly if it is not clear what tack another boat is on (ie two poled out Genoas and no main sail in sight, or a spinnaker hiding the main...) then you should assume that the other boat is on starboard and keep clear.

This might lead to a situation where a boat is running downwind and a boat is beating towards it on starboard, and assumes that all boats upwind will give way. (same tack - windward boat gives way rule) This merely reinforces the over riding principle to keep a good lookout at all times! Apply some seamanship...

Secondly, it doesn't make any difference what tack your jib/genoa is on - its only the main that counts for the purposes of the rule.

 

[peteandthira]

Sorry about this one everybody - but this has introduced an area of uncertainty in something that I thought I had sewn up. So a goosewinging vessel with two foresails up and the boom central is to WINDWARD of another vessel closehauled on a starboard tack. I assume that the goosewinging vessel is now the GIVE WAY vessel. Yes?

I agree that the starboard tack vessel needs to be careful here but I am thinking that he is the stand on vessel.

Any dissenters please???

Many thanks

Pops

 

[john_morris_uk]

I think you have summed it up, although it might be an idea to imagine yourself on both the vessels.

1. I am running downwind with twin headsails up. People downwind of me, can't see what tack I'm on and must assume that I am on starboard. I keep a lookout and watch carefully for other vessels. If I see one on port tack giving way to me, I can stand on and wave my thanks. If I see one on starboard, I must give way.

2. I am beating on starboard tack - upwind of me is a vessel who is running downwind. I must assume that he is on starboard. However is the windward vessel, and therefore he should keep clear or me.

In practice, any situation demands that you stand on with caution - and if it is obvious that the other vessel is not taking avoiding action you make a clear alteration of course and to ensure that the other vessel can see what is happening. Also its usually very easy to alter course a little when running downwind to avoid other vessels. Happy sailing - I've got to get on with my work!

 

[Lakesailor]

Yes I was teasing Abigail. As others have pointed out the direction of the wind is not an issue.