Question 1
On a windward leg, in steady breeze, in the middle of the course and away from other boats, A on port tack bears away to gybe in order to take a penalty. X, also on port tack but on a track to leeward of A, immediately tacks to starboard, and as a result is on a collision course with A. A is forced to interrupt taking her penalty to avoid X, and protests. What should the call be?

Answer 1
In the absence of other boats, the proximity of the layline, a wind shift or any other reason to tack, X’s only purpose is to interfere with A. X breaks rule 22.2. Penalize X.

Question 2
On a windward leg, A on port tack bears away to start a penalty turn and shortly afterwards X, also on port tack but on a track to leeward of A, tacks to avoid a starboard tack boat Y. As a result A has to interrupt taking her penalty turn to avoid X, and protests. What should the call be?

Answer 2
Because there is a valid reason for X’s alteration of course, namely the need to change course to avoid Y, this alteration of course does not break rule 22.2. No penalty.