Section N - Protests and Penalties

MR CALL N2

Rule15, Acquiring Right of Way
Rule C7.4(a), Penalty System: Taking and Completing Penalties

Question

Yellow on starboard and Blue on port are sailing towards each other. When they are about to meet, Yellow is penalized and required to take an immediate penalty (the penalty was either a red-flag penalty or her second penalty).

When does the right of way change?

Answer

The right of way does not change until it is clear that Yellow is taking her penalty.

This is when she passes head to wind or the foot of her mainsail crosses the centreline, as appropriate (see rule C7.4(a)).

Blue will acquire right of way by the action of Yellow and so Blue will not need to give Yellow room to keep clear under rule 15.