Try this one...

Case 91?

Port is approaching starboard on a beat, and has altered course to pass behind starboard. Normal rule 10/16.2 situation. When very close to starboard port observes that starboard's mainsheet has fallen out of the (self draining) boat and is trailing behind starboard for a couple of boat lengths. Starboard is unaware of this.
At this stage port can not crash tack without capsizing and will not succeed in bearing away beyond the length of the mainsheet.

1) What should port do?

2) If port touches the mainsheet, either with or without avoiding action, should either or both boats take a penalty, and if so which?

3) If port does not attempt to evade the mainsheet and it catches on some part of ports boat, causing both boats to have to stop and maybe capsize to sort things out then should either or both boats take a penalty, and if so which?

[fortunately situation 3 didn't occur]

Edited by JimC - 06 Jun 13 at 4:47pm