Over early — going back
The situation
The start gun fires and the race committee hails sail numbers and flies code flag X (individual recall). Maya sees she was over the line early (OCS) and turns back to restart, sailing back toward the pre-start side while the rest of the fleet beats away on starboard.
The question
As Maya returns to start, what are her rights against the boats racing away?
The ruling
None — she must keep clear of everyone. Under rule 21.1, a boat sailing back to the pre-start side of the line to start keeps clear of boats that are not doing so, until her hull is completely back on the pre-start side. Even if she's now on starboard and a homeward boat is on port, she has no right of way while returning. Once fully back and restarted, the normal rules apply again.
Going back to restart? You keep clear of everyone until your whole boat is back behind the line (rule 21.1).
Opens the situation on the boat-length grid — scrub it and see exactly how the boats meet. Free, no account needed.
Rules cited
- Rule 21.1 — Starting Errors
- Rule 28 — Sailing the Course
- Rule 29.1 — Individual Recall
Related cases
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