The requirements for 18.2 not to apply have changed:
- Under the previous rule, 18.2 did not apply (only) when a boat had been on starboard tack since entering the zone.
- Under the new rule 18.2 does not apply between her and another boat on starboard tack that is fetching the mark if “a boat passes head to wind from port to starboard tack in the zone”. This does not require that the starboard tack boat has been on starboard tack since entering the zone.
This changes the application of 18.2 when both boats tack in the zone from port to starboard tack and one of them is then fetching the mark:
- Under the previous rules, this scenario was not covered by 18.3 and therefore 18.2 had applied, particularly the old 18.2(a), granting mark-room to the inside overlapped boat.
- Under the new rules, 18.2 does not apply (because the requirements of the first sentence of 18.3 are fulfilled). Also 18.2(c) does not apply. The inside boat cannot rely on mark-room.
Do you agree?
Are you asking if we agree on the accuracy of your synopsis, or if we agree on the motive behind the rule change?
Well, yes and yes for me.