Rule20
20 ROOM AT A CONTINUING OBSTRUCTION
Rule 20 applies between yachts when at least one of them is in the zone of a continuing
obstruction. When rule 20.1 or 20.2 apply 20.3 does not.
20.1 Room to Tack
When yachts are approaching a continuing obstruction close-hauled or above and the
proper course for at least one is to tack, the outside or clear-astern yacht shall give the
inside or clear ahead yacht room to tack and sail her proper course or above while in the
zone of that continuing obstruction. When a yacht is taking room to which she is entitled
under this rule she shall be exonerated if she breaks rule 10.
20.2 Room to Gybe
After starting, when yachts are approaching a continuing obstruction on a downwind
course and the proper course for at least one is to gybe, the outside or clear astern yacht
shall give the inside or clear ahead yacht room to gybe and sail her proper course or below
while in the zone of that continuing obstruction. When a yacht is taking room to which she
is entitled under this rule she shall be exonerated if she breaks rule 10 or until she gybes
rule 11.
20.3 Room to Pass
While yachts are passing a continuing obstruction, if a yacht that was clear astern and
required to keep clear becomes overlapped or bowsprit overlapped between the other
yacht and the obstruction and, at the moment the overlap or bowsprit overlap begins, there
is not room for her to pass between them, she is not entitled to room under rule 19.2(b).
While the yachts remain overlapped or bowsprit overlapped, she shall keep clear and rules
10 and 11 do not apply.