Hearing Decision

1. The protestor did not appear at the hearing and the hearing was continued under 63.3(b).

2. Winds were 15 knots with chop.

3. Just prior to the start, 34 was sailing close-hauled on starboard and 878 was reaching from the course side to below the start line on port.

4. 34 bore off but there was contact and damage to 878.

5. 878 retired in acknoledgement of breaking RRS 10 and 14.

6. 34 did not take a penalty and finished the race,.

It was not reasonably possible for 34 to avoid contact.