Section N - Protests and Penalties

MR CALL N7

Rule 21.2, Starting Errors; Taking Penalties; Backing A Sail
Rule C7.2(a)(2), All Penalties

Question

Blue and Yellow are sailing on a leg of the course to a leeward mark on port tack. Blue has an outstanding penalty. She luffs, passes head to wind, and bears away to a close-hauled course on starboard tack. Yellow changes course to avoid a collision before Blue achieves a course that is more than ninety degrees from the true wind. Blue continues to bear away and achieves a course that is more than ninety degrees

from the true wind. Both boats display flag Y. What should the call be?

Answer

Signal that Blue has completed her penalty and then penalize Blue again. Blue did comply with rule C7.2(a)(2) and so completed a penalty. However, before returning to a course that is more than ninety degrees from the true wind she broke rule 21.2.