Monday 11 August 2008

Olympic | 2

On the ISAF Olympic micro site under the requests for information section, an interesting issue was raised today by the Danish Laser sailor:

"A boat is approaching the start line on starboard tack 30 seconds before the start. An upwind current is carrying the boat toward the start line. She backs her sail still carrying the main on her port side and as a result of that she: 1) Is beyond doubt moving "backward" trough the water looking at her hull and rudder. 2) She is still moving "forward" over the ground physically approaching the start mark and beyond doubt decreasing the distance to the mark.

Is the boat "moving astern" with regard to RRS 20.3, yes or no?


Does this boat have to keep clear of other boats approaching from astern?
No answer has been provided as of yet and I started thinking how I would answer this.

In a body of water that is displaced because of current, all movement is influenced by that current if you look at relative position to the "ground". However, if you disregard that movement and go only with the speed/movement relative to the ground, no sailor will be able to accurately judge speed any more. All movement trough the water must be relevant in my opinion. So I would answer that this boat is "moving backward" by backing her sail and subject to rule 20.3.

What do you think?

4 comments:

  1. Your judgement call is backed up by the Call Book for Match Racing, Call Ump 2 :)

    Rule 20.3 Moving Astern

    Question 1
    Is a boat moving astern when she is moving astern through the water or over the
    ground?

    Answer 1
    Through the water.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi, Jos,
    If you look at Call Ump 2, the movement that matters is the movement through the water. The same ruling should apply here, so the boat moving astern through the water by backing her sail is subject to rule 20.3 and must keep clear of the boats that are not.
    Except in very few situations it is not easy to know accurately, on the water, the movement of a boat relative to the ground.
    All the best
    Luis Leal de Faria

    ReplyDelete
  3. In my opinion, speaking of racing rules all the movements of boats in general are movements through te water.
    Adriaan Pels.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The key word of rule 20.3 is "backing a sail".
    A boat that goes head to wind with flapping sails and stops, maybe even drifting somewhat astern, does not lose her rights. Only moving astern by "backing a sail" comes under rule 20.3.

    ReplyDelete

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