Who was the give way vessel?

[RichardS]

Personally I think the spirit of the rules is straightforward but the semantics seem to have caused great confusion.

I wouldn't say "great confusion" but we have discussed ColRegs hundreds of times on this forum and this is the first time I can recall where ColRegs does not address a reasonably common issue, i.e. is a sailing vessel running on genoa only poled out on the windward side regarded as having the wind on the poled-out side or the opposite.

Of course, both vessels will have a clear responsibilty to avoid a collision so, in the ultimate, it should not be a critical issue but, if I was sailing such a boat and was in a potential collision situation with another sailing vessel I would make the assumption that the other skipper will think that the wind is on the opposite side of my boat to the pole, even though the contrary is true.

This clearly contradicts the letter of ColRegs. Whether it contradicts the spirit is a moot point. However, to be aware of the issue is to be better prepared to deal with the situation.

Richard

 

[syneraida]

I wouldn't say "great confusion" but we have discussed ColRegs hundreds of times on this forum and this is the first time I can recall where ColRegs does not address a reasonably common issue, i.e. is a sailing vessel running on genoa only poled out on the windward side regarded as having the wind on the poled-out side or the opposite.

Of course, both vessels will have a clear responsibilty to avoid a collision so, in the ultimate, it should not be a critical issue but, if I was sailing such a boat and was in a potential collision situation with another sailing vessel I would make the assumption that the other skipper will think that the wind is on the opposite side of my boat to the pole, even though the contrary is true.

This clearly contradicts the letter of ColRegs. Whether it contradicts the spirit is a moot point. However, to be aware of the issue is to be better prepared to deal with the situation.

Richard

Well written, i'm sure we can discuss the semantics forever, but as you say, the spirit is clear and ultimately it is each skippers responsibility to avoid a collision.

 

[KREW2]

With a poled out genoa I think we can assume the boat is running more or less dead down wind.
So regardless of the tack it is on, it is going to be give way vessel to any other boat sailing on starboard forward of his beam, assuming no other hazards.
I can now understand why the method described by VicS, and others is preferred as it gives you much more control, and makes gybing the genoa much easier.
I'm going to try it next time I'm out. I don't know but, could this method be used when racing short handed?

 

[lw395]

Without reaching to my bookshelf to check, the form of words as quoted by ?VicS earlier in the thread would suggest so. The rules seem to carry definitions based on 'mainsails' (of any craft) and fore-and-aft sails (specifically of square riggers). There are of course many craft which can fly something completely different. Personally I think the spirit of the rules is straightforward but the semantics seem to have caused great confusion.

I think the spirit of the rules is that the windward side is the windward side, and position of the boom etc is supposed to be an indicator or deciding factor in cases of doubt.
I don't think poling out the genoa to either windward or leeward is relevant.
If you can't see the main of the other boat, you don't know what tack it's on, unless it's clear which side the wind is on, end of.

If you know the wind is on the port side of your boat and you don't have the main set, you are on port.

 

[RichardS]

I need to think about it!

OK, I have, and I've decided not to go back many posts.

Richard