CASE 05        


Rule 42.1, Propulsion: Basic Rule
Rule 45, Hauling Out; Making Fast; Anchoring

Recovering an anchor so as to gather way over the ground breaks rule 42.1.

Question
Most of our races start against a foul tide and a head wind. When the wind is very light, the dinghies anchor at or near the starting line to prevent the tide sweeping them back. When the wind freshens or the tide eases, the dinghies pull up their anchors and start to sail. On the one hand it is contended that a dinghy must sail over her anchor before pulling it up, or break rule 42.1. On the other hand, it is felt that, so long as the anchor is thrown forward when it is dropped, rule 45 makes it quite clear that the anchor must be pulled up before starting to sail, it being quite immaterial that in so doing a dinghy acquires speed through the water. Which is the correct view?

Answer
Recovering an anchor, whether it was lowered or thrown forward, so as to gather way over the ground breaks rule 42.1.

RYA 1962/44 and 1979/5