Rule 18.4 does not apply at a gate mark in order to allow competitors to choose which mark they round.

Picture approaching a gate on starboard gybe with another boat to windward, and both boats sailing a fairly hot angle typical of spinnaker cats.

If rule 18.4 was turned on, the leeward right of way boat would not be permitted to sail any further from the right (facing upwind) mark before gybing than needed to sail the course.

Turning off rule 18.4 at a gate allows the leeward right of way boat to decide they want to round the left gate (facing upwind), and continue sailing past the layline to the right mark.

Does that example help? It's a hard one to describe.


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Nacra Infusion USA 753