Case 48: In the photo below, Brian (W9235) and Scott (W9239) are about half a boatlength apart and getting quite close to the lee shore.
1. Does Scott have to slow down and/or wait for Brian to tack away before tacking himself?
2. Could Brian (9235) legitimately ask Jens (7663) for "room to tack" here? Why (not)?

Answer:
1. No. Rule 19 was written for just such a situation: Scott can call Brian for "room to tack" and the latter must follow one of the procedures laid out in that rule.
2. No. The implication of the first sentence of rule 19.1 is that Leeward must be so close to Windward that Leeward cannot tack without breaking rule 13 (tacking too close), or - if she does complete a tack within the Rules - she will not be able to avoid breaking rule 10 (port/starboard) or rule 15 (acquiring right of way). Here, Brian (9235) would have ample time to complete a tack to port and thereafter steer a course to keep clear of 7663 who is on starboard.

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