I'm continually impressed with the way the rules are written for two reasons:
- I haven't found any contradictions, and
- there is almost no way to force a foul on another boat. You have to really stretch to find a scenerio where a boat breaks a rule without having done something wrong herself.
I did not understand the rule then, and I doubt that anyone does.
I disagree. I believe most racers who try to understand the rules, do. Just realize that right-of-way does not bestow impunity.
Port tackers will now be completely out of control, using the fact of a collision to prove they were in the right.
I think that's untrue and overly dramatic.
I don't doubt this was a good rule at 6 knots...
It's a good rule at 6 knots or 60. Either way, you can't turn right in front of someone, cause a collision, and then claim it's their fault.
Sincerely,
Eric
US Sailing Certified Judge
Member Area D Appeals Committee
