ANTI-HUNTING
Here's the wording of the new Rule 16.2, devised at the ISAF meeting to appease all those poor sailors out there that have felt hunted while fleet racing:

"16.2 In addition, when after the starting signal a port-tack boat is keeping clear of a starboard-tack boat, the starboard-tack boat shall not change course if as a result the port-tack boat would immediately need to change course to keep clear."

And for those rule-smiths out there interested in the subtle problems contained RRS 18 (mostly in match racing with starboard roundings), 18.2 (b) has been changed to read as follows:

"18.2 Giving Room; Keeping Clear (b) If a boat is clear ahead when she reaches the two-length zone, the boat then clear astern shall thereafter keep clear. Rules 10, 11 and 18.2(a) do not apply, and rule 16 applies only if the right-of-way boat changes course away from the mark or obstruction. If the right-of-way boat passes head to wind, rule 13 applies and this rule no longer does."

Both will go into effect on 1 January 2000, and be posted soon on the ISAF site. -- Dobbs Davis