2 handed Round the Island Race

Xcentric GBR 7881 T protests Rocket NOR 8994

Time of incident: approx: 13:30 BST

Protest hailed: yes Flag shown: yes When: at time

Protest acknowledged: yes

Committee informed: yes (by phone to clubhouse and by fax).

Rule or rules considered infringed: 18.2 (a)

Location: Ryde Sands

Written representation to protest committee:

Rocket sailing just free of close-hauled, sailing past Ryde sand shallows. Xcentric sailing slightly higher moves to windward, with 1.4 m showing on depth gauge (offset to read 0.0 at keel, draught 1.8m, giving actual depth of water at time 3.2m). At time overlap established, room to sail between Rocket and shallows (approx 3-4 boat lengths). Rocket hails "don't go there, I'll put you on the mud". But with clear room to pass between shallows and Rocket, and with room to pass continuing obstruction, Xcentric continues to climb to windward. 15 seconds later Rocket heads up, luffs and continues to luff. A smooth but significant course change occurred. Xcentric calls repeatedly for water for the obstruction, but no effective response is made and Rocket continues to push Xcentric higher. Xcentric goes aground. With overlap well established, Xcentric had nowhere left to go, as there was not space to bear away hard and drop to leeward. Xcentric had to go near head to wind to avoid Rocket - course to mark was not even close hauled.

No contact occurred between the boats. Rocket hailed that Xcentric had no rights as overtaking boat and that they'd told me they'd put me there. I suggested that they look at the definition of continuing obstruction. I hailed protest, showed the flag, which they acknowledged with what I think was a wave of the hand and some form of verbal confirmation.

Additional information: Xcentric has electronic charting, showing position overlaid on chart, hence able to assess whether room to safely pass or not.

Outcome

Xcentric wins, Rocket penalised