Forum: The Racing Rules of Sailing

23.1 or just rule 10?

P
Niko Kotsatos
Certifications:
  • Judge In Training
Sorry, this is esoteric and completely hypothetical, but we're having some discussions about whether 23.1 applies in this situation. I suppose this might matter if the situation were reversed? Case 127 says that once Blue is completely across the line and no longer course-influenced by one of these marks that she is no longer racing. Just seems to me that practically, she isn't done "racing" here if she's still avoiding boats that are.
Thanks for your patience and insight.
Created: 23-Jun-13 01:42

Comments

Dana OBrien
Nationality: United States
Certifications:
  • Club Race Officer
1
23.1
Blue has finished at 2 - she does not need to be completely across the line.  She should have tacked over to Starboard and stayed out of the way.
Created: 23-Jun-13 02:03
Clark Chapin
Nationality: United States
Certifications:
  • National Judge
  • Club Race Officer
2
The Preamble to Part 2 says:
"The rules of Part 2 apply between boats that are sailing in or near the racing area and intend to race, are racing, or have been racing. However, a boat not racing shall not be penalized for breaking one of these rules except rule 14 when the incident resulted in injury or serious damage, or rule 23.1"
So Blue has an obligation to both keep clear of Green under rule 10 and not to interfere with her until Green herself has cleared the finish line and marks, which it appears that she has done.
In my experience, rule 23.1 is most often violated when the shortest course from the finish line back to the club goes through the racing area after the last race of the day. Boats headed for a cold beverage seem more fixated on that goal than keeping watch that they don't interfere with a boat still racing. The worst part is that a violation of rule 23.1 can only result in disqualification if rule 44.1 One-turn and Two-turn Penalties) is in effect since a boat no longer racing cannot take a circling penalty. Rule 44.2 Scoring Penalty isn't clear on whether such a boat could display a yellow flag immediately and then promptly inform the race committee somehow.
Clark Chapin
Created: 23-Jun-13 02:14
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