Collision? Who is at fault?

The critical issue is that from the moment the Optimisy completed their tack the 400 did nothing to keep clear. If the 400 had done something, luffed, borne away or attempted to tack then thye could have argued that the Optimist did not initially give room to keep clear.

Having difficulty controlling the boat does not exonerate a boat from keeping clear. This may sound harsh, but that is the rule.

The new information is that the 400 was "bob on the start line". If that means that they were so close to the start line that the Optimist could be considered to be interfering with a racing boat then it is possible that a protest committee, having penalised the 400 for breaking rule 10 might also consider penalising the Optimist for breaking rule 23.1.  If the 400 was more than say 5 boat lengths below the line then this argument would not hold. There is usually a line of boats coming back from the pin-end on port,leaving boats on starboard to windward. If a boat waiting for their warning signal is in that line of boats, especially if they are on starboard, then they can be onsidered to be too close. However, in the video there seemed to be several boats to windward.

Originally posted by rs4001144                   >As I thought, some interesting responses to my video. And thanks to some for the abuse! <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm">Here is my attempt to clarify some points. <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm">We were bob on the start line, had just sailed through weed whilst launching and finished securing the rudder downhaul. >Paul Allen RS400 1395

Does this imply you were not afloat and sailing at your preparatory signal? RRS45

By the time you were claiming the privilege of Racing under R23.1, you should really have had your boat sorted and been fully involved with interacting with other boats.
We all cut corners in being ready for club races, sometimes it bites us.

Edited by RS400atC - 03 Dec 12 at 4:08pm

Paul, I'm glad you've responded and not taken the abuse too badly, but I still don't understand your arguments. You made no effort to avoid the incident, and that doesn't matter if your stationary or not, which incidentally you clearly weren't given that your helm is sitting out and you are stood to windward of the centreline. As for sorting my rudder out, I generally try to get on the water before it gets too conjested to ensure I have plenty of space to sort myself out. If I don't get out early I pull the rudder down and then sail out to clear water before sorting out the downhaul and bolt. Your situation should be easier given that you have an extra pair of eyes in the boat!