Race rules advice pls

You can just picture it   tiller in one hand, main sheet in the other and a rule book in the other   no problem getting jumpers though, I have one, it's ok, just the one sleeve is a bit longer than the other two 

Originally posted by Do Different Basic principles of the rules are sufficient for safe and predictable racing, coupled of course with a degree of anticipation and foresight.

Two boats beating, about five lengths apart, wind force four gusting to over five, so both going fast. Third boat on a fast reach passes between the two boats (90 degrees), causing chasing boat to swerve violently and capsize. No warnings shouted. (beating boats both on starboard, crossing boat on port).

Agree with Noah. If S took avoiding action Port is in the wrong. If S was caught by surprise by wind shadow, didn't swerve deliberately and there was never any risk of a collision P is in the clear.
Case 50 in the Case book is relevant.

"When a protest committee finds that in a port-starboard incident S did not
change course and that there was not a genuine and reasonable apprehension
of collision on the part of S, it should dismiss her protest. When the committee finds that S did change course and that there was reasonable doubt that P could have crossed ahead of S if S had not changed course, then P should be disqualified."

Originally posted by Dakota Originally posted by Noah Originally posted by Do Different Basic principles of the rules are sufficient for safe and predictable racing, coupled of course with a degree of anticipation and foresight. I agree. The rules do not require anticipation, but I find it is generally a faster way around the course if I do anticipate what others might do, especially on a small pond. Totally agree too with both posts.  Isn’t that just what 99% of us are doing every time we race .

Yes, very true.

Bearing in mind the vaguaries  of the ******** system anyway, a regular club race really doesn't warrant an OCD approach to rules. A few basics and a fair minded approach.