56. Facts found: On a beat in 10 knots of breeze and relatively flat water, Rough Noogies (windward) and Chocolate Chimp (leeward) were approaching the RC-boat end of a finish line. They were both on port tack, bow to bow and about half a boat length apart as shown at left. Neither was be able to cross the line without tacking and if they had held their course, both would have hit the RC boat.
	About 3 boat lengths from the RC boat, Chocolate Chimp called for "Room to tack" but Rough Noogies refused this request and forced Chocolate Chimp to pass on the wrong side of the RC boat. Rough Noogies then tacked twice more to cross the finish line. Chocolate Chimp lodged a valid protest.

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Decision: The RC boat was a mark. Due to its size, it also qualified as an obstruction. Since neither Chocolate Chimp nor Rough Noogies were able to lay this mark/obstruction without tacking, rule 19.1 applied and the exceptions listed in rule 19.2 did not. Therefore Rough Noogies was obliged to give Chocolate Chimp room to tack. In not doing so, Rough Noogies broke rule 19.1 and is DSQ. Chocolate Chimp's protest is upheld.

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Case #57
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