Wally wrote in message
k...
"Edgar" wrote in message news:U7aLd.6639

FYI there are no 'stationary observers' out at sea and moreover since
one
of the boats is by definition faster than the other their apparent wind
directions will differ anyway. It is not really all that complicated. If
you
are overtaking another boat you have to keep clear until you are 'clear
ahead'.

So, are you saying that, when the colregs refers to one boat being to
windward of another, that this is with reference to the apparent wind?

There is no other way to go unless you are prepared to read your speed log,
then go below and draw a velocity triangle to find the true wind and then
hope the other guy has done the same. This is a red herring that Neal has
drawn across the track and in practice it is not hard to know who is to
windward without any complications.