Jeff Morris wrote:
In reviewing the 1889 and 1948 rules I was reminded that the sailing
rules are different now from what I had learned as a youth. In most
cases, the 1972 rules follow the older rules, but there is one change.

In what way have did the sailing rules make a significant change from
the traditional rules?


OK, I guess Neal is busy trying to google the answer. Here it is. This
is the Sailing rule from the 1948 version of the Colregs (the 1889
version is virtually identical):


RULE 17

When two sailing vessels are approaching one another, so as to involve
risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the other,
as follows :—

(a) A vessel which is running free shall keep out of the way of a vessel
which is close-hauled.

(b) A vessel which is close-hauled on the port tack shall keep out of
the way of a vessel which is close-hauled on the starboard tack.

(c) When both are running free, with the wind on different sides the
vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of
the other.

(d) When both are running free, with the wind on the same side, the
vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel
which is to leeward.

(e) A vessel which has the wind aft shall keep out of the way of the
other vessel.


Rule 17(a) means that a port tack close hauled boat is standon wrt a
starboard tack boat running free. Under the current rules, of course, a
starboard tack boat is always standon wrt port tackers (not counting
overtaking situations!)

Note that is is the opposite of the old racing rule the DSK mentioned
whereby a spinnaker is standon wrt closed hauled. Otherwise, it would
have been worth a half point.