Stefan .. "not the intention of the rule". 

At the risk of sailing in circles here .. the clear intention of rule 45 (IMO) is to allow:

So .. if you are racing in shallow enough waters that this is possible and you don't want to allow it, simply add the SI I wrote earlier. 

Problem solved. 

Niko: I like your "the RC should always work to have an appropriate level of management commensurate with the competition level/importance" comment.

There is one event that may partner and I run every year ... the Warneet Around French Island race. While Monica runs the briefing giving numerous examples of the flags used during the start sequence there is usually an America's Cup skipper sitting quietly and respectfully at the back of the room with his family or mates. At the other end of the spectrum we have some who have NEVER raced before or perhaps doing their second race since last year.

During this race I tend to be very chatty on the radio to be sure that even those with the least experience have a great day on the water.

One boat in his first year actually missed the starting line, but we considered him a starter. The next year his missed the finishing line but we gave him a finish regardless. He was so pleased that he got the start right the second year ;-)

That said, it is quite a different matter if I am running a one-design race.

I fully endorse John Standley's summary.
And I add this:
Neither boat was required to act to avoid contact until it became clear that the other was not keeping clear.
There was no action that W could have taken in time before L's contact.
And L undoubtedly began trimming her main back in before contact occurred as fast as possible.
Hence, neither boat violated RRS 14.

Jim Champ Reply to: 22039 - John Quirk: furthermore, in CASE 50, in the first sentence, it actually uses the term "genuine and reasonable apprehension" (this of course a standard used by courts with applications for an arrest in connection with non-bailable offences), and in the second sentence 'reasonable doubt' (again, a well-tested legal / court term). Quite some complexity for a competitor and PC to become acquainted with :).

And I appreciate it.

I never called you a blockhead.