Hearing Decision

1 Prior to the start of Race 1 3028 was approaching the start line on starboard tack in 15-20 knots wind and a choppy sea, with current running downwind and towards the pin.                                                            

2 2868 was approaching the start on port tack on a course converging with 3028 and passed just ahead of 3028 before immediately commencing to tack on to starboard.

3 As 2868 completed her tack she was overlapped and immediately to windward of 3028, whereupon her boom made contact with the sail of 3028, and as 3028 progressed at greater speed than 2868 the boom of the latter scraped across the  windward side of the sail of 3028, unclipping a batten fastening on the leech.    

4 There was no serious damage to 3028 and her performance in the race was not seriously impaired.

5 Both boats finished the race.

6 Neither boat took a penalty.

2868 as windward boat failed to keep clear of 3028 to leeward as required and broke [RRS11]

It was reasonably possible for 2868 to avoud contact with 3028. She therefore broke RRS 14 

It was not reasonably possible for 3028 to avoid contact with 2868. She did not break [RRS14]                                       

2868 is scored DSQ in Race 1