Question 1
How will the umpires decide that a boat has taken a penalty correctly
under rule 44.2?
Answer 1
A boat takes a penalty correctly when, as soon as possible after an incident
or after being penalized by an umpire, she first sails well clear and
then makes the required number of turns. The answers below clarify these
requirements.
Question 2
X and Y are opponents of A. A, who is not constrained by rule 17, has acknowledged
breaking a rule while rounding the mark and is attempting to take a penalty. X
has to alter course and slow down to avoid A and protests. What should the call
be?
Answer 2
Although A breaks no rule of Part 2, she fails to sail clear as soon as possible.
In position 1 she is able to slow down, fall astern of both Y and X and then sail
clear. Penalize A for breaking a rule at the mark as she failed to exonerate herself
correctly.
Question 3
When is a boat subject to rule 21.2?
Answer 3
Rule 20.2 begins to apply when a boat is clearly turning in order to take a penalty.
It ceases to apply when the boat completes the last required tack or gybe or when
she stops taking her penalty before it is complete.
Question 4
When can an umpire take action against a boat that has failed to take a penalty
correctly?
Answer 4
An umpire can take action when
(a) another boat protests and requests an umpire decision,
(b) the penalty was initiated by the umpires, or
(c) the umpires decides the failure was a breach of sportsmanship.
A right-of-way boat that is sailing to get clear retains right of way until
rule 21.2 starts to apply to her. A boat that interferes with another boat while
sailing clear, when she has a clear alternative, does not sail clear as soon as
possible.