Case 36: In the photo below, Joel (W8278) and Mogens (4645 and our current 2016 reigning Wayfarer World champion) are about to pass astern of starboard tacker, Flemming (5797).
1. Can a right-of-way boat rank as an obstruction?
2. Would Mogens be entitled to ask for "room to tack" for 5797 here?

Answer:
1. Yes. See definition of obstruction.
2. No. Mogens will not have to alter course to avoid 5797. Thus 5797 is not an obstruction to him in this situation. But, if Joel were to need room to pass astern of the obstruction (5797 who has r-o-w), Mogens would be required to give him that room as per rule 19.1

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