Identifying windward boat

[Slayer]

I sometimes find it difficult to determine which is the windward boat while sailing a beat along side another sailboat on the same tack. (To determine right of way) I think it is because the wind is blowing on the nose of each boat and one may even be a little ahead of the other, making it appear to be the "windward" boat, even though that may not be the case.

But it dawned on me to just look at the sails. For instance, if you are both on a port tack, I believe the boat whose boom end is angled toward the other boat is the windward boat, regardless of which boat is ahead of the other on the line. Is this an accurate way to determine leeward/windward?

[Barquito]

I might not be understanding your question (or know the answer), but if you are on a port tack wouldn't anything you see off of the port side be windward of you? Doesn't matter if they are ahead or behind, they are still windward.

[Slayer]

I think that is my answer. I was just looking at it a little differently. So on that tack, anything to your port is windward?

[Gary M]

Yes, anyone to windward of you.

[sailpower]

Originally Posted by Slayer

I think that is my answer. I was just looking at it a little differently. So on that tack, anything to your port is windward?

Yes but you were also right although the other explanation is easier to remember.

BTW, years ago I was always trying to figure out which way the wind was shifting and whether that was backing or veering and would I be lifted or headed.

I came up with this: “Backs Left Port Lifted”. Easy to remember as Left and Port are together and Left and Lifted both start with L.

Once you know that then you also know the opposite; Veers Right Starboard Lifted”.

And of course if you are not being lifted then you are being headed.

The first one is the easier to remember and gives you the second.

[puddinlegs]

Originally Posted by Slayer

I think that is my answer. I was just looking at it a little differently. So on that tack, anything to your port is windward?

If you were on a beam reach sailing perpendicular to the wind, yes, what you say would be true, but if you were sailing close hulled, a boat on the same tack seen off your quarter might not be windward at all. In a quick nutshell, there are two points of reference that you can use. One is the wind, the other your boat.

Reference 1, wind direction:
Look at your masthead fly (not where your boat is pointing). That's where the wind is coming from. Now imagine a line perpendicular your masthead fly. Anything between your bow looking straight ahead in one glance, then in the direction of the wind and that imaginary line is to windward and ahead of you. At a certain point, if you imagined tacking and could cross clear ahead, they're too far behind to be the windward boat. It's difficult to judge when boats are near that imaginary line because different boats have different tacking angles and pointing ability. Some sailors see it more clearly than others. In racing it is both an art and skill that is incredibly valuable.

The second reference is your boat:
Imagine you're sailing upwind as high as you can point. You might see a boat ahead a few hundred yards and to the lee side of your bow at roughly 11 o'clock. You might describe it as being leeward of your bow and tell the skipper, there's a boat ahead and to leeward. Practically speaking, while he's to 'leeward' of you, he's far enough ahead that he'll be able to tack and cross your bow. Now in both frames of reference, he's a windward boat!

[Slayer]

I appreciate the feedback,,,,but if I am reading all answers correctly, we have a divergence of opinions. I think I need more clarification.

[sailpower]

Originally Posted by puddinlegs

The second reference is your boat:
Imagine you're sailing upwind as high as you can point. You might see a boat ahead a few hundred yards and to the lee side of your bow at roughly 11 o'clock. You might describe it as being leeward of your bow and tell the skipper, there's a boat ahead and to leeward. Practically speaking, while he's to 'leeward' of you, he's far enough ahead that he'll be able to tack and cross your bow. Now in both frames of reference, he's a windward boat!

Not sure what you are trying to say here. In your initial report to the skipper the other boat is to leeward and that is a correct report. IF he tacks he would then be to windward but not before.

If you are trying to point out that there are differentt right of way strategies other than windward/leeward then sure but I don't think that was the question.

[Barquito]

I agree with sailpower. If you aren't going to hit each other it really doesn't matter. If you are on a port tack and turn left, and ram someone, they were on the windward side of the boat.

When boats are on the same tack and overlapped, the boat to windward (the boat closest to the wind) shall keep clear of a leeward boat (Rule 11).

I don't race, so for some reason I always get the windward/leeward rule confused. I guess that it makes sense. If the windward boat wasn't close hauled, it would be their responsibility to head up. The windward boat also has room to tack, the leeward (overlapped) boat would hit the windward boat tacking, so their only escape is a gybe.

[MarkSF]

" The windward boat also has room to tack, the leeward (overlapped) boat would hit the windward boat tacking, so their only escape is a gybe.[/QUOTE]

The rule never made sense to me until you put it that way.