The situation is the following:
Boats are entering for a match race pre-start. Yellow at 3:55 before the start is at position 2, while blue is also at position 2.
At position 5, Yellow on starboard is on a collision course with blue which tacks without crossing the line from the course to side to the prestart side.
The boats continue sailing as shown in the diagram and at 2:59 before the start the are at position 12, where blue has just crossed the starting line from the pre start side to the course side.
Is that a penalty to blue according to RRS C4.2? If yes, the umpires have to display the flag at 2:59 or they have to wait until 2:00 before the start?
As rule C3.1 says the RC shall display a flag at minus 2 minutes if a boat (or 2) failed to comply with C4.2
My understanding of C4.2 is that the first time a boat crosses the line from the course side must be within 2 minutes of the prep signal.
I would definitely wait for the RC signal before penalizing.
But I do understand Luigi's position. And would be happy to get more different advices.
Loïc
David
In french, we say: with if(s), you could put Paris in a bottle !!
I am likely displaying my inexperience with Match Race Umpiring here, but how I read the rule is that the first time the boat crosses the line it has 2 conditions, (1) within 2 min of the prep-signal and (2) from course-to-start side. If that's the correct reading, then the error of crossing first from start-to-course side isn't reversible. Do I have that correct?
Slightly longer: When the Umpires decide (are certain) a boat broke C4, she shall be penalized by signaling her under C 5.2.
Kim