Section N - Protests and Penalties
MR CALL N5
Rule 23.2, Interfering with Another Boat
Question
Just after starting, Yellow, on port, bears away and gybes to take a penalty. Blue,
also on port, but on a track to leeward of Yellow, tacks to starboard, and as a result
is on a collision course with Yellow. Yellow is forced to change course to pass
behind Blue before completing her penalty and displays flag Y. What should the call
be?
Answer
Display the green and white flag. Rule 23.2 does not apply after the starting signal
when a boat is sailing her proper course. Therefore, Blue may interfere with Yellow,
provided Blue is sailing a proper course and does not break rule 16.1. She has a
choice of proper courses and may therefore choose one that will maximise her
interference with Yellow. Sailing on either tack can be a proper course.