Question
Shortly before the start, A and X are sailing ahead very slowly, A half
a length ahead of X. A is in danger of crossing the starting line before
the start and briefly backs her mainsail. This causes her to sail backwards
toward X. She then stops backing her sail but continues to move backwards
towards X. X maintains her position, and there is contact. X protests.
What should the call be?
Answer
Rule 21.3 requires a boat moving astern by backing a sail to keep clear
of one that is not. Although A is no longer backing her sail, she is moving
astern because she backed her sail, and is still subject to rule 21.3.
A fails to keep clear and breaks rule 21.3. Penalize A.
|