Situation
It is common practice to prepare the spinnaker by tying it together with rubber bands at intervals, to prevent the spinnaker from filling during the hoist. Once hoisted and sheeted, the rubber bands will break, the spinnaker will open, and ultimately, the rubber bands will end up in the water.

Question 1
Does this action break new rule 55?

Answer 1
Yes

Question 2
If the answer to Question 1 is yes, would it make any difference if the material used was biodegradable?

Answer 2
No