Barging at the start line is a very poor strategy, it is unprofessional and is totally illegal.
What is “barging”
Barging is approaching the starting line from a point to windward of the lay-line of the starboard or committee boat end of the line.
In the diagram, the blue and red boats are on the layline to the committee boat. The green and yellow boats are windward boats and are required to keep clear.
In the diagram, the blue and red boats are on the layline to the committee boat. The green and yellow boats are windward boats and are required to keep clear.
What is wrong with “barging”
In order to sail through the start line the barging yacht must sail at less than close hauled. Any yachts with an overlap to leeward (i. e. forward of a line projecting to leeward from the transom, hence nearly all the fleet) have right of way and can push the barging boat to windward. This will cause the barging boat have to sail to windward of the windward end of the start line and miss the start. That can be extremely dangerous if there is no barging buoy.
Note the overlapped boat can push the barging boat as high as head to wind, as long as enough room and opportunity is given. The barging boat has to respond immediately.If you are thinking of barging - don’t
As you will put yourself in an indefensible position. At best, you may find a hole on the second or third row, at worst, you will be pushed to windward of the start-line and miss the start completely.
Read the full article at
http://www.vic.yachting.org.au/default.asp?Page=1701&MenuID=YV+Committees%2F13186%2F0%2CRacing+Rules%2F1027%2F0%2CArticles%2F1068%2F0%2F
