If it is a point of rule you want to discuss (18.3) then most of this discussion presents points. However, I have to go back to MY basic rule; "I do not want to be dead right and if it needs to be discussed then possibly neither party is clear on the matter."My Dummy solution is to avoid it if you can...right or wrong."
There is too much of this issue at the windward mark because of the mindset that port approaching skippers think their boat will blow up if it goes past the mark on the wrong side or if it ducks another boat. So, they just go and do it...
A boat in the right has no recourse because the heat is over for him. Redress with damage if possible is a 30-minute hold and if he cannot start the next heat he will get a DNS with no redress.
My solution todate is don't go where this happens a lot. I am sensitive to this issue and I know Reichard is to. Both of us know the rule and it helps us not when taken out by a boat that did earn the position through proper tactics. We are not onboard the boat and should consider this when sailing with friends.
Like I said, debating the matter is good. Training on the matter is good. Dealing with the matter on the racecource in an event where it counts, sucks. The loser is the guy that deserved to sail on.
I am in Harrisburg PA tonight on the way to Stowe, tired and hate this subject (probably should not have posted). And I hate port/starboard contact where the guy on Starboard has to do a turn too when the trailing boat hits him when knocked onto port in the collision. Do get me started...Argh!
There are only two good places to be in serious competition; The Champions Regatta or A Fleet at the NCR. The rest of the time it is the 20% luck thing...or, wrong place at the right time.
...94