VSKsailing.rocks

Submission Type:
Protest

1. Your registered Boat Name:
BatBoat

2. Race Day:
4

3, Group (colour):
Green

4. Race (number):
11

5. Time (in Replay):
12:38

6. Rule(s) applicable:
13

7. Boat(s) involved:
BatBoat and P Costa

8. Description:
BatBoat is on starboard tack fetching top mark. P Costa is on port tack and tacks in front of BatBoat. There is contact between the boats. Depending on the eyes P Costa is either not on starboard tack when the incident occurs (in conflict with rule 13) or P Costa has just come to starboard tack and should start by keeping clear which he does not.

I have a short video from my recording:


9. Print Screen attached (required for a manual protest):
Yes 10. Replay attached (recommended):
Yes

Facts:
Batboat and PCosta on port tack, Batboat to leeward.
Batboat tacks to starboard and sails a TWA angle of 40 degrees.
Batboat then bears away to TWA 50 and PCosta tacks in front of him.
There is contact between PCostas stern and the bow spirit of Batboat.
There is no contact between the hulls.

Conclusion:
When Batboat completed his tack, he had to give room to PCosta under rule 15. This room was given, PCosta had room to keep clear.
Before Batboat beared away another 10 degrees, PCosta still had room and time to tack to leeward of him.
When Batboat beared away 10 degrees, he had to give room to PCosta under rule 16.1. This room was marginally given.
According to MLS Rule 2.1 only the hull and mast are parts of the boat. This excludes the bow spirit.
Since there was no contact between hulls and mast, no rules were broken.
Batboat to be given +1 points under MLS Rule 3.3.4.

Note:
If there had been contact, Batboat would have been DSQ for breaking RRS Rule 16.1, because PCosta would have been able to tack to leeward without the change of course by Batboat. And when Batboat beared away, it was no longer possible for PCosta to pass astern of him.

MLS Protest Committee