Doug re: "I, too, have heard that there's a case on the way.  I believe that it's silly to "interpret" False as True, which was what they'd be doing. It tortures the meaning of "interpret" beyond reason (IMHO)."

If a skipper or crew place their hands, arms, or feet, legs in the water and this action causes the boat to slow down, I believe it breaks 42.1, "a boat shall compete by using only the wind and water to increase, maintain or decrease her speed". Body parts in the water have no exception to decrease speed in 42.3.

I have never given or heard of a Rule 42 penalty given for body parts used to slow a boat. Repeatedly moving the helm is an effective brake.

Tony, Exactly:  as diagrammed there's a whole ocean of room for B to avoid hitting the mark.

Phil, How do you conclude that W was not required to act to avoid contact until it became clear that L was not keeping clear?

L was the right of way boat.  She was not  required to keep clear.

W was not entitled to room.

Niko: I like your "the RC should always work to have an appropriate level of management commensurate with the competition level/importance" comment.

There is one event that may partner and I run every year ... the Warneet Around French Island race. While Monica runs the briefing giving numerous examples of the flags used during the start sequence there is usually an America's Cup skipper sitting quietly and respectfully at the back of the room with his family or mates. At the other end of the spectrum we have some who have NEVER raced before or perhaps doing their second race since last year.

During this race I tend to be very chatty on the radio to be sure that even those with the least experience have a great day on the water.

One boat in his first year actually missed the starting line, but we considered him a starter. The next year his missed the finishing line but we gave him a finish regardless. He was so pleased that he got the start right the second year ;-)

That said, it is quite a different matter if I am running a one-design race.