Answer to Dave Perry’s 100 best Rules Quizzes

Question:

Boats S (on Starboard tack) and P (on Port tack), both close hauled, are converging on a beat. P will safely cross S. However, when they are less than two lengths apart, the wind veers (shifts to the right) ten degrees.  S luffs (changes her course) in response to the windshift, such that P is unable to keep Clear.  There is minor contact with no damage or injury, and both boats protest.  You are on the Protest Committee; how would you decide this?

Answer:

Boat S is penalized under rule 16.1, Changing Course.  Rule 16.1 states, "When a right-of-way boat changes course, she shall give the other boat room to keep clear." S changes course when so close to P that P is unable to keep clear and there is contact.  Therefore, S failed to give P room to keep clear, thereby breaking rule 16.1. S also broke rule 14, Avoiding Contact; but as the right-of-way boat, she can only be penalized under rule 14 if the contact results in damage or injury [see rule 14(b)].  P did not break rule 14, because S changed course so close to P that is was not possible for P to avoid the contact. 

Thanks Again,

Maggie Lumkes

Waterfront Director

Frostbiting Scores

• 
  Copy_of_2012_SCORING_(7).pdf
  
• Sailing Instructions
  2012_Sailing_Instructions.pdf