CALL UMP 20              

Rule 16.1 Changing Course
Definitions Room


Question 1
In the definition of Room, how should the umpires apply the phrase ‘in a seamanlike way’?

Answer 1
The question is addressed in ISAF Case 21, which refers to ‘extraordinary’ and ‘abnormal’ manoeuvres as being ‘unseamanlike’.
However, actions that are not seamanlike in a fleet of many boats may be considered seamanlike in a situation with only two boats. Thus, in match racing some manoeuvres might be considered normal that would be considered abnormal in other racing, and therefore ‘seamanlike way’ should be interpreted somewhat more broadly in match racing.
Any manoeuvre, however, that puts a boat or her crew at unreasonable risk of damage is unseamanlike. The umpires will have to judge each incident on the basis of the boat's actions in relation to the conditions of wind and water that she is experiencing.

Question 2
Blue is close-hauled on port tack and Yellow is close-hauled on starboard tack on a leg to the windward mark. Yellow bears away to a downwind course that is below her proper course and as a result Blue has to change course to keep clear. There is a Y flag. What should the call be?

Answer 2
Penalize Yellow. Yellow breaks rule 16.1 by not giving Blue room, namely the space to manoeuvre in a seamanlike way.