Guys,

I'm looking for some input on a basic rules question.

Scenerio:

You have two boats both on the same tack .... one heading downwind the other is headed upwind .... let's say both are on port ... and they are crossing. Now there is "constant bearing" between the boats which means they are on a collision course. Now the Upwind boat must keep clear of the downwind boat, simple. Here's the question; as the boats get closer at what point is too close and the downwind boat is allowed to take action to avoid the collision and protest the upwind boat who has taken no action to avoid the collision. Does the downwind boat (the right away boat) get to make the decision to avoid the collision and take action (based on their sailing skills)at the last moment and protest the upwind boat .... Or does only the upwind boat (the burden boat)get to make the decision of if and when to take action to avoid the collision? Does the downwind boat have to take no action, hold their course and allow the (obvious to them)collision to happen, in order to win the protest?

Basically ... how close is too close and who gets to determine that distance

Harry Murphey