Hearing Decision

10-15 seconds prior to the start, 1401 and 1482 both on starboard approaching the start line, overlapped with 1482 to weather of 1401.

The bow of 1401 was approximately half a metre to leeward of the stern quarter of 1482.

1401 altered course to leeward to provide 1482 room to keep clear.

Both boats travelled for 1.5 - 2 boat lengths overlapped.

1482 altered course to windward aggressively to avoid contact with another leeward boat.

There was contact between the bow of 1401 and the rear quarter of 1482.

The wind was 14 knots.

There was no injury and no serious damage.

No boats took penalty turns.

1401 initially provided room for 1482 to alter course to keep clear. 1482 failed to keep clear as required under rule 11. It was not reasonably possible for 1401 to avoid the collision and did not break rule 14.