Rules

Another one folks

I was over the line at the start on Saturday and was hit by a windward boat who didn't do turns

I was told at the end of the race as I was over the line I had no rights, if I had hit (as a starboard boat) another boat on port it would be my fault

Is this the case

Although that does leave hanging what the situation is if you are OCS but NOT returning to the pre start side, so if you were unaware of your OCS status, it could be argued that the windward boat should still be keeping clear. The windward boat is still obliged to avoid collisions.

or someone knowing that the person approching could be confused into giving way....

As others have said unless you knew you were over and had started to return it is still a simple windward leeward situation, Windward should have kept clear and taken a penalty. It does somewhat depend on what was happening above windward though as they may not have been able to take avoiding action.

Remember it is part of the rules that if you can avoid a collision you should. You must not hit another boat to prove they broke the rules!

When over the line look about quickly to see if you have an escape route back to the line. If not let the sails go a little and slow the boat down, egenrally a gap will then present itself fairly quickly and you can get back and restart.