A mark is laid with excessive line which lies just below the surface and catches the centreboard of the first two boats allowing other boats to catch and pass them. Other boats then sail a bit wider and avoid catching the line.
Can this be considered 'an error of the RC'? Do the two boats meet the requirements to be awarded redress?
RYA 1989/10
Redress may be given for a race committee's failure to provide suitably equipped marks.
In cases involving errors by the race committee, it is a good principle that any doubts be resolved in favour of the competitor.
SUMMARY OF THE FACTS
The outer limit mark of the finishing line was attached by cordage of a semi-floating variety which was too long when used ins hallow areas. The excess was usually tied into a bunch but it became loose.
It produced an underwater hazard floating two to three yards to leeward of the mark and, with a flood tide, on the course side of the finishing line. It was not visible to an approaching boat and several boats were caught in this tangle, hit the mark, took a one-turn penalty and re-crossed the line. Only one boat,
Instant Sunshine, requested redress, as the scores of the others were not affected. The protest committee, refusing redress, stated that the mark and ground tackle were the equipment used regularly as a finishing mark in that area and that the length and type of warp was not unreasonable in the circumstances.
Instan tSunshine appealed.
DECISION
Instant Sunshine’s appeal is upheld, and she is to be re-instated in her position when she first crossed the finishing line.
Marks are laid for the benefit of competing boats and it is important that ground tackle be arranged to minimise possibility of being fouled by the boats.
In cases involving errors by the race committee, it is a good principle that any doubts be resolved in favour of the competitor.
And so does Australian Sailing
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