Rule 18 – when does it apply?

Rule 18 applies when:

1. Boats are near a Mark (racing mark but not any old obstruction)
2. Roundig of the Mark must be from the same side as each other
3. Part of one of the boats must be in the ’3 boat length’ zone from the Mark

There are some exceptions which mean rule 18 does not apply, such as:

1. If boats are to round the mark on opposite sides (restates 2 above for clarity)
2. If the boats are on opposite tacks while beating to windward
3. At the start line (to avoid the inevitable and sometimes costly barging)
4. When reqiuring room at an obstruction and requesting it. Then Rule 20 applies, which overrides Rule 18.
5. If boats are on opposite tacks and the proper course is to tack for one of the boats (but not both)

The rule ceases when both boats are out of the ’3 boat length’ zone, and of course it is overridden by Rule 20.

Complicated or what?

In the next few posts we’ll look at each part of Rule 18 in detail.

Related posts:

1. When does the new Rule 18 NOT apply?
2. Rule 19 – Room to pass an obstruction
3. ISAF : The Racing Rules of Sailing for 2009-2012 – Amendments Effective 1 January 2010
4. Can sails be considered ballast?