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Part 2 — When Boats Meet

Section D — Other Rules

When rule 21 or 22 applies between two boats, Section A rules do not.

21

STARTING ERRORS; TAKING PENALTIES; BACKING A SAIL

21.1: Starting Errors

A boat sailing towards the pre-start side of the starting line or one of its extensions after her starting signal to start or to comply with rule 30.1 shall keep clear of a boat not doing so until her hull is completely on the pre-start side.

21.2: Taking Penalties

A boat taking a penalty shall keep clear of one that is not.

21.3: Backing A Sail

A boat moving astern, or sideways to windward, through the water by backing a sail shall keep clear of one that is not.

Definitions in Context

Keep Clear

A boat keeps clear of a right-of-way boat

  • (a) if the right-of-way boat can sail her course with no need to take avoiding action and,
  • (b) when the boats are overlapped, if the right-of-way boat can also change course in both directions without immediately making contact.

Rule 20

A boat may hail for room to tack and avoid a boat on the same tack by hailing ‘Room to tack’. However, she shall not hail unless - (a) she is approaching an obs...

Rule 22

If possible, a boat shall avoid a boat that is capsized or has not regained control after capsizing, is anchored or aground, or is trying to help a person or ve...

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