11. Facts found: Pointless was reaching along the starting line at a speed of about one knot on starboard tack. If she had held her course, she would have crossed behind Expletive Express who was starting on port. At the start signal, the boats were three lengths apart. At this moment, Pointless luffed up to close-hauled and called "Starboard" on Expletive Express. EE started to tack about 3 seconds later but forced Pointless to luff up slightly to avoid a collision. Pointless protested Expletive Express under rules 10 (opposite tacks) and 13 (while tacking).

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Decision: When Pointless altered course she did give Expletive Express room to keep clear. ..Expletive Express should have altered course immediately to be sure of keeping clear. She failed to do so, and thus broke rule 13 by tacking too close. Rule 10 did not apply.

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case #12
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