49. Facts found:  Weakley Meeting was sailing on a port-tack dead run when Boom Bop, sailing on starboard tack, rapidly began to overtake Weakley in a puff from dead astern.  When Boom Bop was about one length astern of Weakley Meeting, BB blanketed WM who made no effort to keep clear. Boom Bop luffed up at the last moment to try to avoid Weakley Meeting, but there was a slight bump with Weakley Meeting's starboard quarter. The collision caused no damage.

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Decision: The boats were on opposite tacks. Since the "overtaking boat" rule, #12, only applies to boats on the same tack, it does not apply in this situation. Rule 10 does apply. Therefore, Boom Bop's protest under rule 10 is upheld and WM is DSQ. Rule 14 was also broken but there will be no penalty assessed because no damage was caused.
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Supplementary question:  If Weakley does not wish to alter course to get out of the starboard boat's way, he need merely gybe to regain the protection of rule 12. He must do so early enough however, that the overtaking boat will still have room to keep clear (see rule 15).

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Case #50
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