53. Facts found: As shown at left, Nanny had an inside overlap on Spoiled Brat as both were approaching the finish line on port in a 15-knot breeze. Both had overstood slightly. Nanny called for mark-room but Spoiled Brat refused on the grounds that this was a finish mark. Nanny lodged a valid protest after being forced on the wrong side of the finish mark.

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Decision:  Since only the starting mark is (usually) excluded from Section C rules by its preamble, Nanny was entitled to mark-room at this finish mark. Spoiled Brat did not give such room. Spoiled Brat has thus broken rule 18 and is DSQ.

Note: The definition of a mark makes it crystal clear that the same rules would apply if the two boats were passing an RC boat at one end of the finish line. The RC boat might well rank as an obstruction but since it is also a mark, rule 19.1 indicates that in such a case, rule 18 will apply.

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Case #54
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