Case 44:
In
the photo below, Wayfarers 1366, 938 and 7379 are reaching towards the
gybe mark. Hans (938) has overtaken Doug (1366) and Fred (7379) from
clear astern. What rule limits the course of W938 in relation to both
1366 and 7379? How?
Answer:
Having established his overlap from clear astern "within two of her hull lengths to leeward
of" 1366 and 7379, W938 is required by rule 17
to "not sail above her proper
course
while they remain overlapped within that distance". NOTE: This is a good time to review the Proper Course
definition:
"Proper Course A course a boat would sail to finish
as
soon as possible in the absence of the other boats referred to in the
rule using the term. A boat has no proper course before her
starting signal."