9. Facts found: Spirit of Spam was reaching along the start line on starboard tack at about hull speed (5 knots) in 10 knots of breeze. If he had held his course, he would have crossed behind Meat Cleaver who was starting on port. At the start signal, the boats were one length apart as shown in the diagram. Spirit of Spam headed up to close-hauled and collided with Meat Cleaver. The latter's rub rail was damaged. Both boats protested in accordance with rule 61.

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Decision: Spirit of Spam was the right-of-way boat and therefore bound by rule 16.1 to change course in such a way as  to "give the other boat room to keep clear". When Spirit of Spam altered course, she was moving at 5 knots and only one boatlength (16') from Meat Cleaver. This allowed Meat Cleaver no room to keep clear or to avoid the collision. Meat Cleaver is therefore absolved of responsibility for the incident and, as provided in rule 64.1(b), she shall not be penalized under rule 10 (port/starboard) or under rule 14 (avoiding contact). Spirit of Spam infringed rules 14 and 16 and is DSQ.

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case #10
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