48. Ruling: The Mast Marvel and Bilingual Beaver are on opposite tacks. Since none of the exceptions (such as rule 13, 21, 22, 23 or 44) applies, MM and BB are subject to rule 10 and BB should have kept clear of MM, not the other way around. As the boats get nearer to each other, the Mast Marvel does however have to watch out that he does not alter course in such a way as to break Rule 16 since here again, we have two boats crossing each other on opposite tacks, a situation where the right-of-way boat must be sure not to alter course in such a way that the other boat will not have room to keep clear.

Here the two boats are on the same tack! If the beating and the running boat are on the same tack, it is harder to visualize who is windward and who is leeward. Then "Close-hauled over running free!" is a handy guide because (as long as both are on the same tack!) the close-hauled of two converging boats is always the leeward  boat - see diagram at left.)

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Case #49
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