Do You Have to Jibe?

Do you have to jibe? - Rule 42

The question of whether or not you must jibe at the jibe mark may not seem terribly important. After all, that's why they call it a jibe mark - because you jibe there! But there are certain times when, for tactical or strategic reasons, you may not want to change jibes around the mark. That's when you better know what the rules say.

Rule 42. Ie specifically address­es the question of jibing at marks when there are two or more over­lapped boats. The first thing you should know about this rule is that it applies only to inside boats that must jibe at the mark to assume a proper course to the next mark.

Of course, there are many times when your proper course at the jibe mark may not include a jibe. For

example, the wind may have shifted so the next mark is downwind (see diagram below). If you can justify bearing away around the mark as your proper course, then you are not required to jibe. This is true even if there are boats out­side you who think their proper course is to jibe.

If you have an inside overlap and jibing is the only way to assume your proper course around the mark, then you may or may not have to jibe. It depends on the posi­tion of the outside boat(s).

If an outside boat is on the opposite tack as you, then you must jibe. You're not allowed to keep sail­ing and force that boat to jibe or sail past the mark. The same is true if the outside boat is on the same tack as you and you don't have luffing rights. Then you must also jibe.

The only time when you are not required to jibe as an inside boat is when you have the right to luff all boats overlapped outside of you. In this case. you have all the rights of a leeward boat with luffing rights. You may carry the windward boats past the mark, or even luff them head to Winii i dpidly. This is one of the least understood provisions of the cur­rent racing rules.

In most races, you should jibe at the jibe mark, whether or not there are boats outside of you. If you're thinking about not jibing, just remember rule 42. Ie and think ahead about your proper course. •

Rule 42.1e's requirement to jibe applies only when the inside boat must jibe to assume her proper course to the next mark (A). However, if the inside boat can legitimately claim that her proper course doesn't include a jibe (B), then she doesn't have to jibe.

Analysis: NO, L does not have to jibe. Rule 42.1e says that a leeward inside boat with luffing rights does not have to jibe around the mark. In other words, I. may carry W as far past the mark as she wants (as long as L maintains luffing rights). As a windward boat, W must stay clear of L. Note that if L is clear ahead (or clear astern) of W, then she (L) does not have to jibe either, because the rule applies only to overlapped boats.

Beware! The new rules, due next spring, will most likely change this situation. Currently the inside boat doesn't have to jibe in situation 1, but it does have to jibe in situations 2 and 3. The rulemakers don't like this kind of inconsistency. In addition, they believe an outside boat is entitled to expect that the inside boat will jibe to her proper course, rather than luff sudden­ly and sharply. Therefore, the new proposed rules will require that any inside boat (even one with luffing rights) must jibe at the mark if this is necessary to assume her proper course. The tactic of carrying a windward boat past the mark will probably be left as an option for match racing and team racing only.

Situation 2 - YES

Situation: W and L are overlapped when they reach the two-boatlength circle to the jibe mark. W is forward of mast abeam, so L does not have luffing rights. L's proper course is to jibe at the mark.

Analysis: YES, L must jibe. Rule 42.1 e says that leeward inside boat without luffing rights must jibe ciluuiiii the mark. As a windward boat, W must stay clear of L during the rounding, but L cannot carry W any farther than necessary. She (L) must jibe at the "first reasonable opportunity."

Situation 3 - YES

Situation: S and P are overlapped when they reach the two-boatlength circle to the jibe mark. S is inside and on starboard tack. S's proper course is to jibe at the mark.

Analysis: YES, S must jibe. Rule 42.1e says that when two overlapped boats are approiii. iiiih; a mark on opposite tacks, the inside boat must jibe around the mark. As a port tacker, P must stay clear of S, but S cannol carry P any farther than necessary. She (S) cannot carry P any farther than necessary. She must jibe at the "first reasonable opportunity." This applies whether this is a jibe mark or leeward mark.

David Dellenbaugh, former starting helmsman for America3, publishes Speed&Smarts, a monthly newsletter of how-to information for racing sailors. For subscription information call: 800-356-2200. To order a new subscription, click