Here is another example of the change in course rule. In this example we see the start of a heat with one boat crossing the start line and another about ready to. At first glance you would think the red boat has the right-of-way because it is on a starboard tack, not so! The red boat can't head up on the blue boat at the last second even if the start bell has just sounded. Let's again take a look at rule 16.
Rule 16 Changing Course
When a right-of-way boat changes course, she shall give the other boat room to keep clear.
It is clear, if a right-of-way boat changes course, it must give the other boat room to keep clear. In example 2 the red boat can't head up and expect the port tack blue boat to give-way. Remember, the new rule allows the right-of-way boat to change course so long as she give the other boat enough space to avoid her in a 'seamanlike way'. In the example below, the red boat must allow the blue boat to keep clear.
Next time we'll look at the third example of the new, changing course rule. See you then!