Rule 11, On the Same Tack, Overlapped
Rule 18.2(b), Mark-Room: Giving Mark-Room
Rule 18.5(a), Mark-Room: Exoneration
Definitions, Mark-Room
An inside overlapped windward boat that is entitled to and is receiving mark-room from the outside boat must keep clear of the outside boat.
Summary of the Facts |
Decision
Before and at the time of the contact, rule 11 required W to keep clear of L
and rule 18.2(b) required L to give W mark-room. While W was sailing to the
mark, she broke rule 11 by sailing so close to L that there was a need for L
to take avoiding action. The diagram accepted by the protest committee showed
that, from the time W reached the zone until contact occurred, L was giving
W room to sail to the mark. Therefore, W’s breach of rule 11 was not a
result of L having failed to give W mark-room. For this reason, W is not exonerated
under rule 18.5(a) for breaking rule 11. Both boats could easily have avoided
the contact, and so both broke rule 14. However, the contact caused neither
damage nor injury and, because L was the right-of-way boat and W was entitled
to mark-room, neither is to be penalized for breaking rule 14 (see rule 14(b)).
L’s appeal is upheld. She is reinstated in her finishing place and W is
disqualified for breaking rule 11.
USSA 1988/273