Team Race - CALL H 02      

Rule 15 Acquiring Right of Way
Rule 16.1 Changing Course
Rule 18.2 Giving Mark-Room
Rule 18.5 Exoneration
Rule 31.1 Touching a Mark

Question
Three boats A, X, and B are approaching an off-wind mark to be left to starboard. The proper course after the mark is a broad reach on port tack. X has no proper course restriction, and is luffing A to slow her. When X reaches the zone, B is clear astern. When B is alongside the mark, X bears away and gybes to prevent B from passing between her and the mark. B touches X and the mark and protests. What should the call be?

Answer
Penalize X.
At position 2 B is subject to rule 18.2(b), and shall thereafter give X mark-room. However, X’s change of course after position 4 is not consistent with sailing her proper course at the mark and she is no longer entitled to exoneration for breaking rules 15 or 16.1.
If in this situation either the presence of the mark or X’s change of course or both prevent B from keeping clear, then X breaks rules 15 and 16.1. B complies with rule 18.2(b) at the mark by giving X room to sail her proper course, and B is therefore exonerated under rule 64.1(c) for breaking rules 10 and 31.


It is not seamanlike to hit a mark. When a keep clear boat entitled to room to keep clear is forced to hit a mark, she has not been given room.