Question
Approaching a windward mark, A, on port tack, bears away to pass astern
of X on starboard. A is keeping clear when X’s crew suddenly pushes
out her boom and backs her mainsail, and her boom hits A’s rigging.
X protests. What should the call be?
Answer
A breaks rule 10, but is compelled to do so by the action of X that is
a breach of sportsmanship. Penalize X under rule D2.2(d)(3), and exonerate
A under rule 64.1(c). (See also Case 73.)
When a right-of-way boat continues to sail her course, but through intentional
unseamanlike sailing (e.g. pushing out her boom) causes contact with a keep clear
boat that would otherwise have kept clear, then this is a breach of sportsmanship.