http://www.kbv.org.au/index2.htm
Starboard Rule
(Rule 12)
When two sailing vessels are approaching one another, and at risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the other as follows:
When each has the wind on a different side, the kiter who has the wind on the port (ie left side, where left leg/arm are leading in the direction of travel) side shall keep out of the way of the other. This is commonly known as the Starboard Rule. The kiter who has the wind on the starboard (ie right side, where right leg/arm are leading in the direction of travel) has right of way.
In sailing terms, a sailor or kiter with right of way is entitled to "insist" on exercising that right (warning opposing kiters) by shouting "starboard" very clearly and in good time.
Don't think enough kiters are aware of this rule. That is all...
Your (and everyones) ultimate responsibility as a water user is to ensure that a collision is avoided.
No good being in the "Right" after a serious accident
That is all
starboard rule isn't practical with kites. 25m of line out needs a different approach- the upwind rider passes with their kite high and the downwind rider drops their kite low.
be aware of the starboard rule with poleys, but i reckon its still easier to pass to leeward of them out of courtesy
The trouble with the starboard rule (and other right of way rules) is that you don't know that the other guy knows about it.
Most people when they start out go through a couple of phases:
1) Everyone avoids you because you're clearly out of control
2) Avoid people heading towards you, in any direction you feel like
3) Learn about the starboard rule, the overtaking rule, the "less manoeuvrable vessel" rule, the "person on the wave" rule etc, and try to get everyone else to learn these rules as well
4) If on a collision course, make a clear and sudden change of direction so that then you're not on a collision course. Kite high or low comes into this category.
Number 4 seems the most followed rule at the spots I go to, so that's the one that I follow as well. The only time you can assume that the other guy knows the 'proper' right of way rules is when you're racing... and even then I've had a collision with another racer (I was on starboard) when I held my line upwind.
Blueprint and Stamp are on the money I reckon
I'm going to clear up this connundrum...
The ocean is big.... Don't be scared to head out the back....
The starboard rule can be simplified down to "to avoid collisions turn right".
However, as is said elsewhere relying on rules that require other people to do stuff is hugely flawed.
Better is a set of rules that you apply to yourself to avoid situations in the first place.
In no particular order:
- Kite high/low when passing/being passed.
- Don't tailgate or ride in another guys blind spot.
- Be ready to reverse direction or stop if an impact is about to happen.
- Don't do tricks that might put you in the way of other riders.
- The sea is big. Ride away from crowds.
don't forget at some flatwater bays the circuit runs better in the opposite direction so the starboard rule doesn't work
I think safety on the water is important!!
This is different to the Wife/Girlfriend (I am always right, you d@ckhead) Rule. Mmmmmm.
The conundrum is what to do if you are approaching your wife/girlfriend on a starboard tack????
You are stuffed!
Awesome,escape route is towards the green light and never the red sock, makes sense.
All the spin flick lovers with their boots will have accidents tho
Got a solution for this one too?
fossil
In essence - just be sensible, don't be a selfish w@nker (we have plenty in kiting already) share the water and will be ok.
It's extremely difficult to quote rules of the sea due to nature of the fact that some rules override other rules, ie, (Sorry forget the rule number and don't have my book with me) it goes something like, nothing in these rules will exonerate any owner or any skipper in the event of a collision.
Therefore if you do have "right of way" but, you have a collision both parties will be apportioned blame (the percentage will vary depending on the circumstance) as a collision should never have happened in the first instance.
There is no such thing as an "accident" on the sea, just the fact that somebody did not follow the rules, if they did there would never have been an accident.
I find it easier to just cruise on out the back or miles upwind (I have an Edge ) out of the way of the crowds.
I always teach the rider coming away from the beach has right of way as well - cos he cant retreat, might have difficult water to negotiate and possibly poor speed and ability to turn, depending on conditions.
