Section B - The Prestart

MR CALL B14

Rule 16.1, Changing Course
Rule 19.2(b), Giving Room at an Obstruction
Definitions, Mark
Definitions, Obstruction

Question

The situation occurs in the pre-start, with approximately 2 minutes to the starting signal. The race committee vessel is also a starting mark.

Between situations 3 and 4 Blue makes a big and rapid change of course, backing her jib to bear away, and does not give Yellow room to keep clear. There is contact between Blue and Yellow. Both boats display flag Y. What should the call be?

Answer

Penalize Blue. Rule 19, together with the relevant rules of Section A and B, apply when the boats are not approaching the starting mark to start. Yellow was giving Blue room between her and the race committee vessel (an obstruction). When Blue, a right-of-way boat, changes course she must give Yellow room to keep clear under rule 16.1. She did not give Yellow room to keep clear and broke rule 16.1.