Hearing Decision

1. 202955 was represented by Bibi Stigter.


2. 225261 was represented by Jayden Bai.


3. Hamish Gilsenan, coach of 225261, attended the hearing as an observer.


4. 226463 and 226561 gave evidence as a witness for 202955.

1. During Race 4, 202955, 225261, 226463 and 226561 were running downwind approaching Mark 3.


2. 226463 and 226561 entered the zone on port with 226561 overlapped to leeward of 226463.


3. It could not be established whether, when 226463 and 226561 entered the zone, 225261, also on port, had established an overlap inside and to windward of 226463. 


4. 202955 was clear astern of 225261 at all times.


5. 226463 and 226561, when they were abeam of the mark, altered course to round Mark 3 to Port.  There was approximately one boat width distance between 226463 and Mark 3 when she rounded the mark.


6. 225261 altered course to windward to round Mark 3 inside and to windward of 226463 and made contact with Mark 3.


7. 225261 did not take a penalty turn.


8. There was no contact between any of the boats.

1. Since there was reasonable doubt that 225261 had obtained an overlap with 226463 when she reached the zone, it is presumed that she did not do so (RRS 18.2(e)).


2. 225261 touched Mark 3 and broke RRS 31.

225261 is DSQ in Race 4.