From: laforce@xenon.arc.nasa.gov (Soren LaForce)
Subject: RE: right-of-way
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41    
Organization: NASA Ames Res. Ctr. Mtn Vw CA 94035
Date: Tue, 1 Sep 1992 23:03:00 GMT

In article <1992Sep1.153245.10188@rigel.econ.uga.edu>, russell@dogwood.botany.uga.edu (Russell Malmberg) writes...
>When I took my first windsurfing lessons, no one mentioned
>sailing right-of-way as a concept.  Perhaps there is just
>too much to learn that first time to also teach this, but
>I took 3 different lessons from 3 different instructors,
>and the concept did not come up.
>   [in my case I'd sailed before and was familiar with
>    many of the standard sailing rules.]
> 
>    Perhaps we should suggest that beginners lessons
>    include at least a hint that rules do exist
>    and that the water is not completely chaotic.


I did a lot of windsurfing with the Cal Sailing Club at the Berkeley
marina.  With CSC, you passed a written test that covered, in about
equal parts, right of way rules and windsurfing.  CSC tends to be a 
bit anal about the jumping through the hoops, but sailors that learn
there (boat and freesail) **know** their stuff, particularly the rules.

I don't read this group regularly, but it seems that every time I do, 
there is a right of way discussion going on (this is good!).  So...

1.	Are you overtaking?

		Yes:  keep clear of the boat you are passing.
		No:   go to 2.  (I know, bad programming style)


2.	Are you on the same tack as the boat you are approaching?

		Yes:  Are you to windward?

			Yes:  Keep clear.
			No:   Maintain course.

		No:   Are you on starbord tack?

			Yes:  Maintain course.
			No:   Keep clear.

One thing to keep in mind, is that if you are closing with another
board with a 5 or 10 degrees difference in course, one person may 
feel it is an overtaking situtation and the other feel it is a 
windward/leeward situtation.  This can lead to both parties thinking
they have rights.  I try to avoid this kind of encounter.

Remember, the boat with rights is **required** to maintain course.

I do not think (feel free to correct me) that you are required to 
yell "starboard or "leeward" to inform the "opposition" that you have
rights, however it is certainly a good idea (if a bit impractical at 
25 kts).

I'm not sure if the rules are coast guard or state of california.  (I think
they are coast guard)  Regardless, they are the law (not just a good idea).  
You are **required** to know them, and you are liable for damages if you 
ignore them.

By the way, what I have summarized are not racing rules; those are more
complex.   While the above is probably legally binding in the surf, it is
**not** the convention (there, (i think) it's board going out has rights, 
followed by board highest on wave has rights, but don't quote me on this).

Be careful of simplifying the rules, e.g. telling a novice at coyote "you
have right of way coming in."  This may be typically true (at coyote point)
but may lead to confusion for the poor sucker at a later date, or another
beach.

Also, even though you are required to maintain course, you are required 
to do everything you can to avoid a collision (even if this means
changing course).

Oh yeah, a pet peeve.  I **really** don't care whether or not you fall 
down if you look over your shoulder before jibing.  LOOK ANYWAY.  


--Soren            laforce@xenon.arc.nasa.gov
From: kirk@hpcc01.corp.hp.com (Kirk Lindstrom)
Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1992 15:02:31 GMT
Subject: Re: New personal record and nuklear winds
Organization: Shredding the water of SF Bay, HP-OCD