The notion of being upwind and downwind of each other can be confusing – sometimes it can be difficult to determine if you are upwind of someone, especially if you are approaching each other from a near reciprocal course, or if the other kiter is going more upwind than you. It is for this reason that the ‘rules’ use the terminology ‘windward’ and ‘leeward’. The windward side being the side that the wind is coming from. So:
1) When each kiter has the wind on a different side (ie. Two kites coming towards), the kiter which has the wind on the port (left) side shall keep put of the way of the other,
2) When both kiters have the wind on the same side (ie both kites travelling in the same direction), the kite which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the kite which is to leeward, (Don’t forget that the overtaking rule over-rides this rule – that is, you have to keep out of the way if overtaking)
Hopefully this makes sense…..the upwind/downwind thing was a bit ambiguous??
This means that at woodies on a SW (the northern/offshore side),
if two kites were approaching one another, the kite going out should keep out of the way of the other.
This is how the ‘rules’ are written. In practice you can pass each other on whatever side you want and as close as you want, as long as both kiters understand what the intentions are. This is done by taking early action to indicate what you are going to do, either by dipping your kite so the windward kite can fly above, or by manoevring the board downwind/upwind. Regardless, it all comes down to some common sense, and taking early and substantial action to keep well clear if you are in doubt.
Regards
Sambo
PS. 20Kts at woodies...**** the rules...I'm outa here!!
