VSK Match Forum

Hi all,
In the replay of race 3, at about t=15'47 Nik hailed "RTT" to Pap who tacked asap (I was witness and checked these facts). The {hail + Pap tack) took less than 2 boat lengthes to be completed). Rule 20.1 say that a boat would hail if she is approaching an obstruction and will soon need to make a substantial course change. However Nik was at about 5 boat lenghtes from the ground when he hailed. When Pap tacked, Nik had still about 3 boat lengthes free space right ahead before the ground. One must note that the rule 20 requires that Pap must tack or respond "you tack" asap. So in my opinion Nik broke rule 20.1.
JL

Usually in VSK people hail RTT far too late. If John tacked asap, then the hail was about 3.5 boat lengths from the rocks (and it's not safe to sail all the way into the rock). But I agree the hail was a little early.

I did however protest John at the finish line, when he gybed. I think it's clear that he broke rule 15. I could not luff there, as I would then not be able to give Nik mark-room, so my instinctive reaction was to bear, which I didn't get room for. Not a very seamanlike move, no matter what I did.

Harald

OK Harald, so I withdraw the P flag.
JL