PASSING ON A REACH
at 9.02.2009
by Pam
A couple of weeks ago, Gary and I had just rounded the windward mark and we were on starboard tack reaching toward the gybe mark. Gary was ahead and I was clear astern but seemed to be slowly gaining. I opted to go below him thinking that once we were overlapped I'd have rights and could take him up and then bear off. He indicated I didn't have rights because I was approaching from astern and had to maintain proper course.
So what should I have done? How do I pass him on a reach because if I don't maximize the reach and run I'll lose him once we turn upwind.
9/02/2009 9:23 PM
Gybe inside at the mark.
9/10/2009 10:02 AM
Rule 17 is in effect if you establish your overlap within two boat lengths of the boat ahead. This may be the way to pass. If you re closer on a reach you would be blanketed anyway. On a run, does gybing make a new overlap?