Section M - The Umpiring Process
MR CALL M9
Rule 10, On Opposite Tacks
Rule 20.2(b), Room to Tack at an Obstruction
Rule 43.1(a), Exoneration (compelled to break a rule)
Question 1
Blue is matched against Yellow and Red against Green. On a leg of the course to a
windward mark Blue is close-hauled on starboard tack, Yellow and Green are
overlapped, both close-hauled on port. Yellow, to leeward of Green, cannot tack and
clear Green. Blue and Yellow are on a collision course. Yellow hails and signals for
room to tack. Green does not respond, Yellow is unable to tack, Blue is forced to
change course to keep clear. Blue and Yellow display flag Y. What should the
umpires do?
Answer 1
If the umpires of the match between Blue and Yellow are certain that Green broke
rule 20.2(b) they should display a green and white flag indicating that no penalty is
imposed on Yellow or Blue (Yellow is exonerated by rule 43.1(a)). They should
advise the umpires for Green's match that Green should be penalized.
Question 2
If Yellow does not display flag Y, would the answer be different?
Answer 2
No. The umpires’ response would be the same. The umpires may also consider
penalizing Green under rules C8.3(b) or C8.3(c).