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4. Luffi ng Rights Rule
This rule applies when you are passing another boat at close
proximity. The fi gure below indicates the windward and
leeward sides of the boat. On the starboard tack, the starboard
side of the boat is the windward side. On port tack, the port
side of the boat is the windward side.
RULE:
tack for these examples) at close proximity (See the illustration
below), the leeward boat (#1) has the right of way over the
windward boat (#2). If you are a windward boat on the offensive,
you must pass with enough room to avoid the leeward boat. If you
cannot avoid the leeward boat, you must steer away to avoid a
collision.
ward boat (#1) can “luff up” the windward boat (#2) by steering into
the wind, causing #2’s sail to luff (See below). When a boat’s sail luffs,
it loses power and speed. Luffi ng up is mostly used as a defensive
maneuver.
Luffi ng Rights Rule