Jeff wrote:
Because the course difference is less then 67.5 degrees, the qualifies
as an overtaking situation. According to Rule 14,
"Notwithstanding anything contained in Rules 4 through 18, any
vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel
being overtaken."

In other words, it doesn't matter that one or both are sailboats, or
small, the overtaking boat must stay clear.



Ooops! That's Rule 13, of course!

And, since the question is a bit vague on the meaning of "it looks
like they're going to hit," and could be that the overtaken vessel may
be required take evasive action if a collision appears imminent.




Ellen MacArthur wrote:
A little sailboat with no motor is on the starboard tack catching
up with another
little sailboat with no motor on the starboard tack. The one catching
up is going
on a course of 180 degrees. The one getting caught is going 208 degrees.

Which one has to change course if it looks like they're going to
hit each other?

Cheers,
Ellen