CASE 78

Rule 2, Fair Sailing
Rule 22.2, Interfering with Another Boat

A boat does not break rule 2 by slowing another boat’s progress in a race, provided that this tactic is intended to benefit her own series result, that the boats are on the same leg and lap of the course, and that in using it she does not intentionally break a rule.

Summary of the Facts

On a windward leg near the finish of the final race of a one-design class series, boat A is some distance ahead of B. Suddenly, A changes course, so that she sails back down the course towards B and positions herself in a tactically controlling position over B.
A then slows B’s progress, resulting in three boats passing them. A had calculated her own and B’s scores, and had determined that if B were to be passed by three boats A would defeat B in the series.

Question

Was the tactic used by boat A, turning back and slowing another boat’s progress, a sportsmanlike action? Is this tactic acceptable in any race or in part of a race?

Answer

A’s tactic broke no rule, including rule 2, which refers to sportsmanship. Provided the boats are on the same leg and lap of the course (see rule 22.2), it is acceptable for a boat to slow another boat’s progress in a race and to use this tactic in any race of a series, at any time during the race, provided the tactic is intended to benefit her own series result. However, if a boat intentionally breaks a rule while using this tactic she also breaks rule 2.

USSA 1991/282