Hearing Decision

1. Approximately 45 seconds prior to the start, 865 and 882  approached the line to start on port tack with 865 half a boat length to leeward and one boat length clear ahead of 882.


2. 865 altered course to windward and passed head to wind.


3. 882 luffed rapidly in an attempt to avoid contact with 865, but the bow of 882 made contact approximately one metre from the bow of 865.


4. 865 had not completed her tack at the time of contact.


5. 865 suffered a 20cm hole and a fracture approximately 50cm long.


6. 882 was subsequently scored UFD in a restarted race.


7. 882 did not take any penalty turns


8. 865 retired from the race due to the damage and was unable to sail in any of the three races of the day


9. There were no injuries


10. The wind strength was approximately 15kts with seas of about  one metre.

1. The damage was considered serious.


2. After passing head to wind and before being on a close hauled course 865 failed to keep cleaer of 882. 865 broke rule 13.


3. 865 did not avoid contact when reasonably possible and broke rule 14.


4. It was not reasonably possible for 882, the right of way boat, to avoid contact with 865 when it was clear that 865 was not keeping clear. 882 did not break rule 14.

As 865 retired from the race, there is no further penalty. RRS 64.2.