18. Facts found: Crafty Critter was on port tack, two lengths to leeward and ahead of Bubblemania on the first beat in a 10-knot breeze as shown at left.  Crafty Critter tacked to starboard and there was a collision as Bubblemania tried to bear away behind Crafty Critter. Bubblemania could have avoided Crafty Critter by tacking immediately after Crafty Critter's tack was complete.

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Decision: Crafty Critter did not break rule 13 since Bubblemania admits he could have tacked and kept clear after CC's tack was complete. Crafty Critter complied with the requirements of Rule 15 (Acquiring Right of Way). He gave Bubblemania room to keep clear since nothing precludes tacking as one of the ways of keeping clear! Since Crafty Critter did not change course after completing his tack, Rule 16 does not apply. Bubblemania has broken rule 10 and is disqualified.

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case #19
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