Hearing Decision

Wind was 9 knots. At 25 seconds before the start of race 2, 31 was clear astern of 07 both on starboard. 31, moving faster, made contact with 07.  The bow of the port hull of 31 made contact with the aft crossmember between the hulls of 07. There was no damage . After that contact, the boats separated, but 31 again moved forward and made contact again in the same locations, with no damage.  No boat took a penalty turn.

31, clear astern, failed to keep clear of  07, clear ahead, and avoid contact, breaking RRS 12 and 14. It was not reasonably possible for 07 to avoid the contact, and they did not break RRS 14.