Question
At a close downwind finish, Yellow eases her spinnaker halyard, sheet
and guy so that the sail is further ahead of her bow than normally. When
does she finish? What action should the umpires take?
Answer
Yellow finishes when her bow crosses the line. The Definition of Finish
makes it clear that as the spinnaker is not in normal position it cannot
be considered for the purpose of finishing.
Judging the finish is solely a matter for the race committee. However,
if the umpires see the halyard eased they may advise the race committee,
which will not be in such a good position to see until the boats cross
the line.
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