Rule 2, Fair Sailing
A boat that deliberately hails ‘Starboard’ when she knows she is on port tack has not acted fairly, and has broken rule 2.
Assumed Facts
An experienced helmsman of a port-tack boat hails ‘Starboard’ to
a beginner who, although on starboard tack, not being sure of himself and probably
being scared of having his boat holed, tacks to port to avoid a collision. No
protest is lodged.
One school of thought argues that it is fair game, because if a helmsman does
not know the rules, that is his own hard luck. The other school rejects this
argument, on the grounds that it is quite contrary to the spirit of the rules
to deceive a competitor in that way.
It is known that such a trick is often played, particularly when novices are
involved.
Question
In such a case, has the port-tack boat broken rule 2?
Answer
A boat that deliberately hails ‘Starboard’ when she knows she is
on port tack has not acted fairly and has broken rule 2. The protest committee
might also consider taking action under rule 69.
RYA 1980/1