Penalty turns ASAP...

rule 44.2 reads:
After getting well clear of other boats as soon after the incident as possible....
How much leeway does this give a boat accepting a penalty?
I read it literally, the boat must begin to get clear and do its turns immediately unless that is not possible due to other boats that it must avoid.
There might be other things preventing immediate turns, such as you are capsized, broken something or whatever.
Obviously it takes a few seconds to take stock, look around for approaching boats etc.
But I think a boat ought to be starting to get clear within say 20 seconds if there is nothing preventing that.
Other people seem to think it means as soon as possbile without greatly inconveniencing yourself or giving too many places away.
Any guidance anyone?
Cheers.

it certainly shouldn't be this:

Other people seem to think it means as soon as possbile without greatly inconveniencing yourself or giving too many places away.

It's not uncommon though for fast spinnaker boats to have a modification to the rule for on the run, that allows any penalties to be taken when the head of the spinnaker is next below the gooseneck- ie the end of the run (or following a capsize before you rehoist!)

The rule says : after getting well clear of other boats as soon after the incident as possible...

This does not mean  - when convenient, only by sailing fast (one way to get clear may be to slow down or stop) or when the turns can be taken without losing too many places. I would expect the boat to start attempting to get clear immediately after acknowledging that they are taking turns. As long as they are attempting to get clear they are complying with the rule.

If a boat acknowledges that they will take turns but then either delays taking turns or does not do them:

the boat infringed against in the original incident should protest the original incident and the fact that the boat has not correctly taken a penalty at the time of the incident

The jury should determine whether the boat broke a rule, whether a rule 44 penalty was appropriate and whether the penalty was taken.

If the boat broke a rule and did not take the penalty correctly they will be DSQ for the original infringement. If the boat said they would take a penalty but does not then this is a breach of rule 2 Fair Sailing. The penalty for this is DNE and a possible rule 69 hearing.

Alstorer -do you have a copy of the SI that modifies rule 44. Or is it jsut a convention in the class?

Gordon