CALL MR 8              

Rule C5.6 Signals by Umpires - incorrect penalty
Rule C7 Penalty System

Question
Yellow is required to take a tack penalty. May she take it by luffing until she passes head to wind, then turn back to a close-hauled course on her initial tack?

Answer
No, for the purpose of taking a penalty, tacking is to change course from close-hauled on one tack, through head to wind, to close-hauled on the other. As soon as Yellow passes head to wind rule 13.1 applies and she must keep clear. Although rule C7.4(a) states that 'a boat with an outstanding penalty that is on a leg to a leeward mark or the finishing line and passes head to wind, is taking a penalty', a boat attempting a penalty in the manner described does not comply with rule C7.2(a)(2) and the umpires shall signal that the boat is no longer taking a penalty and that the penalty remains.