Page:Boating - Woodgate - 1888.pdf/272



CHAPTER XVII.

LAWS OF BOAT-RACING (THEIR HISTORY, AND RULES OF THE ROAD),

Laws of boat-racing, until 1872, were variously read by various executives. One rule was common to all, and yet: differently interpreted by many an umpire or referee. It was that which related to a boat’s course.

The old rule was, that a boat which could take a clear lead of an opponent, and which could cross the proper track of that opponent with such clear lead, became entitled to the ‘water’ so taken. The boat astern had then to change its course, and to take its leader’s vacated course. If thereafter