The 2021-24 Racing Rules of Sailing

Art Engel's Rules Quiz #1 - Answer

Larry and Wendy were on starboard tack approaching the right-hand end of the starting line to start. Wendy was to windward of Larry and came from clear astern of him. Larry slowly headed up and forced Wendy on the wrong side of the starting mark until at position 3 both boats were head to wind. The starting signal was made just after position 2, when the boats were more than one boatlength from the line and while Wendy would have been able to sail below the mark if Larry had not sailed above close-hauled. Wendy protested Larry for forcing her on the wrong side of the starting mark by sailing above a proper course after the starting signal.
Diagram for Quiz No. 1

 
Answer

Wendy became overlapped with Larry by coming from clear astern of him. Since Larry did not establish an overlap to leeward of Wendy from clear astern of her, rule 17 did not apply and Larry was not limited to sailing no higher than a proper course. So, Larry could luff Wendy and force her on the wrong side of the starting mark after the starting signal by sailing above a proper course. Protest dismissed; neither boat broke a rule.

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