VSK Match Forum

Aleks made this video and sent to me for a clarification.
Its a very good video, as it is close to the border line, and it illustrates the critical points.

Start looking from 28s, when windward has rounded the mark.

The keys in such situations are:
1. Is there a collision course (i.e. is leeward on a higher course than windward)? If yes, windward has to do something.
2. Is windward in "the immediate contact zone"? If yes, windward has to do something.

From 30s to 32s here, the answer is no to both questions.
- There is no collision course, because leeward is pointing lower
- Leeward can change course in both direction without making immediate contact (1 boat width separation from leewards bow).

After 32s leeward is luffing to a collision course (1) and within the "immediate contact zone" (2).
Now windward has to take avoiding action, and has to be given room to keep clear.
Room is not given, so rule 16.1 is broken by leeward. Windward is exonerated from breaking rule 11.

Harald