On Sat, 8 Nov 2003 23:43:36 -0500, "Charles T. Low"
wrote:

Rule 17 - Action by Stand-on Vessel

"Where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way the other shall keep her
course and speed."

So not only is it inadvisable to tack right in front of another boat, power
or sail notwithstanding, it's also illegal.

While agreed that the described boats actions were not correct, it is
not possible to simplify as You have done above.

To "Keep course and speed" does not mean literally to stay on exact
course and maintained speed until You are you are out of sight of the
give-way vessel. It means to continue Your voyage under normal
conditions, including turning to follow a shipping lane, reducing
speed to avoid wake, and, if You are sailing, to tack where it is
necessary.

If You are tacking in a limited area, You are still "maintaining
course and speed", unless You are unnecessarily disturbing others or
trying of course to intentionally obstruct their way.

So, if You are sailing, You may very well tack more or less in front
of another boat and still be in compliance with Rule 17. This is
something which is often unknown (and disliked) by many motor boaters.

As always, there are limitations and exceptions, for example
limitation by draft, narrow passage etc.

If the expression used are not exactly correct I apologize, my
nautical training is not primarily in English.


/Marcus

--
Marcus AAkesson
Gothenburg Callsigns: SM6XFN & SB4779
Sweden
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