45. Facts found: Pirouette rounded the windward mark on starboard tack in a 3-knot breeze. Bearing away quickly onto a run with a view to gybing to port, she collided with Blå Gybe who was just reaching the mark on port. The boats were less than one boatlength apart when Pirouette's ongoing course alteration put her and Blå Gybe onto a collision course.There was no damage. Both boats filed valid protests.

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Decision: The right-of-way boat, Pirouette, was subject to rule 16.1 which obliged her to make only course changes that would give Blå Gyberoom to keep clear. Pirouette's course change in such close proximity to Blå Gybe gave the latter no chance to keep clear. Pirouette thus infringed rule 16.1 and is disqualified.
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In addition, Pirouette broke rule 14 (avoiding collision) but, as per rule 14(b), would not have been penalized since there was no damage. Blå Gybe did not break rule 14 since she was given no chance to avoid the collision.

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Case #46
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