Date: 9/25/2007
Name: Kevin McAllister
email: mistermclister@yahoo.com
subject:Rules
The real question is how do you take advantage of the situation? I would "hunt down" when he is approaching on port. Steer a tiny bit lower course when he is 4-5 boat lenghts away. If he tacks directly in front or slightly to leeward of you,head up to your original course and pass him to weather. You do that to him a few times and he will never try that again. Takes a little practice but it works great.He may have been trying to force you to the unfavored tack. But if he was smart he would tack ahead and slightly to leeward or duck you astern.
If I am on the favored tack I will do anything to stay on it. These boats lose a lot in tacks,let him do the tacking.
Like Buddy Melges,I don't buy the "Rules is tools" sea lawyer crap. Try to use their bad judgement against them. As Napolean said "I never get in the way when my enemy is beating himself" or something to that effect.
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