Page 113 - Call Book for Team Racing 2017-2020

TR CALL M3

Rule D1.3(a) Penalties, Taking a Voluntary Penalty
Rule D2.3(c) Penalties Initiated by an Umpire; Team Gains Advantage

Question

Team A, B and C is approaching a port-hand windward mark on starboard tack
in a group. X has already rounded the mark, Y is on starboard tack just behind
the group, and Z is approaching the mark on port tack level with the group.

Z attempts to tack inside the group at the mark, and forces A, B and C to sail
above close-hauled and outside her at the mark.

As a result of the incident Y overtakes A, B, C and Z. Z completes a One-Turn
Penalty. X and Y, now clear in first and second, maintain these places to the
finish.

What options are open to the other team, and to the umpires, to influence the
result of this race?

Answer

When a boat breaks a rule and her team gains an advantage despite her, or
another boat on the team, taking a penalty, the umpires may penalize the boat
without a protest by another boat, or report the incident to the protest committee
under rule D2.3. Clearly in this case Z’s team gained a significant advantage
through breaking rule 18.3(a).

When no amount of extra turns can change the result of the race, the umpires
should act under rule D2.3 and report the incident to the protest committee. The
protest committee may then increase Z’s points to reverse the on-the-water
result.

Signal this intention with a black and white flag. The action of Z does not need
to be deliberate.

Section M - The Umpiring Process