Section M - The Umpiring Process

MR CALL M12

Rule C2.12 (23.1), Interfering with Another Boat
Rule C8.4, Penalties Initiated by Umpires

Question

After a race the umpires receive a report from a reliable observer that a boat broke rule C2.12 (23.1) before her race by interfering with a boat that was racing. May the umpires initiate a hearing to consider penalizing her?

Answer

No. As this concerns a rule of Part 2, the umpires cannot initiate a hearing (see rule C8.4). Only the boat that was interfered with can take action by displaying flag Y at the time of the incident.