Hearing Decision

Race 5 of the Liberty Class, 1st weather leg, high seas amd chop, wind in excess in 20 knots.

AUS 1018 on starboard tack approaching the weather mark - on layline, 10 boatlengths from the mark

NED 2268 tacked onto port tack, approximately10 boatlengths from AUS 1018, on a collision course,

NED 2268 attempted to duck, controls were slow to respond.

AUS 1018 attempted to avoid.

NED 2268 (on port) did not keep clear and there was contact just aft of the beam of AUS 1018 with the hull and the boom which resulted in a torn mainsail and a 2cm dent in the hull,

As a result AUS 1018 was unable to continue to race and retired.

NED 2268 had damage to her jib.

NED 2268 completed a penalty turn.

NED 2268 was required by Rule 10 to keep clear and failed to do so. NED 2268 also failed to avoid contact and broke rule 14

As a result of the collision, there was serious damage to AUS 1018.

NED 2268 penalty was to retire.  Because she did not, she is DSQ.

AUS is granted redress. She is awarded average points for all races except this race.