Originally posted by ChrisJ
What are the rules and typical usage on the finish line? If I get my nose across first, but I am on port - can I tack late and end up in the way of the starboard tacker (I have already "finished")? I'd say yes, but maybe only if he has finished before you cause him to need to take avoiding action? The rules of Part 2 (Right of Way, Room, etc) apply between boats that ... are racing or have been racing. (Preamble to Part 2) Starting on port tack, you're required to keep clear of the starboard tack boat, whether you have finished or not (rule 10). Big bear away and duck will keep clear (although ti might put you in dutch with the next boat after the starboard tacker you are ducking). If you tack, you are port tack, required to keep clear (rule 10) until you pass head to wind, then you remain required to keep clear until you have reached your new close hauled course (rule 13), when you will probably be same tack to leeward, right of way boat, required initially to give the other boat room to keep clear (rule 15). So you are exposed throughout the whole tacking manoeuvre. Once any part of your boat crosses the finishing line you are still racing until you have cleared the finishing line and marks (Definition: racing) and all the above apply and on valid protest you will be penalised.. Once your boat has cleared the finishing line and marks, you are no longer racing, and in accordance with the preamble you can no longer be penalised for breaking rules 10,13, or 15, BUT you are no subject to rule 24.1: If reasonably possible a boat not racing shall not interfere with a boat that is racing. And the Preamble says you can be penalised for breaking that rule if you interfere with the other boat before she has cleared the finishing line and marks. So I think the answer is 'no'. Or, can I get the bow across the line, and then bear away hard to dive below the starboard boat and still retain my finish position? My bow first, but his stern / whole of the boat first? Yes Yes What about the spinaker pole sticking out the front? If the previous lap I had pulled the pole out before the mark (ready for a quick launch), am I allowed to do the same thing at the finsh? No, the pole is not part of the hull. |