http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=HxxIPLBE6q8#!
Here is my call:
Since the white completed her tack within the 4 boat circle, Rule 18.3 is turned on. White completed her tack to starboard clear ahead of red. Red, then overlapped white to leeward and Rule 18.3b required white provide mark room and to not prevent red from passing the mark. White did not or was unable to provide mark room because white tacked on the starboard lay-line and was close hauled!. White broke rule 18.3 by not providing Mark room to red. Red broke rule 14 and 15 when she overlapped white to leeward and contacted white. Rule 18.5 would exonerate red for breaking rule 15 and red’s contact with white broke rule 14, red would be exonerated because red was the ROW boat and there was no damage. If Red was forced into the mark, Red would also broke rule 31. Rule 18.5 does not exonerate a violation of rule 31! Rule 64.1c would exonerate red for contacting the mark in this situation. Our sailing instructions add the exoneration for hitting the mark in this situation.
This is the reason for Rule 18.3! White should have sailed pass the Starboard lay-line prior to tacking. As White tacked, she would slow and should have realized that the momentum of Red would allow Red to overlap her to leeward and rule 18.3b would require white to allow Red to pass the mark. Port tack boats at the weather mark looking for a Port rounding must realize that the rules are not in their favor!
If red was unable to pass the mark, rule 28 would still requires her to sail the proper course and that would mean that she would have to return and round the mark properly. Because white could complete her penalty turn and gain a significant advantage as red comes back to round the mark properly, Rule 44.1b would require white to retire.
Tom
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Amya #6571b