Team Race - CALL L 02      

Rule 23.2 Interfering with Another Boat

Question
On a windward leg, in steady breeze, in the middle of the course and away from other boats, A on port tack bears away to gybe in order to take a penalty. X, also on port tack but on a track to leeward of A, immediately tacks to starboard, and as a result is on a collision course with A. In order to avoid X, A is forced to interrupt taking her penalty to avoid X, and protests. What should the call be?

Answer
No penalty. The ‘except when sailing a proper course’ phrase in rule 23.2 permits X to interfere with A, provided X does not break rule 16.1. She has a choice of proper courses and may therefore choose one that will maximise her interference with A. Sailing on either tack can be a proper course.