CASE 47        

Rule 2, Fair Sailing

A boat that deliberately hails ‘starboard’ when she knows she is on port tack has not acted fairly, and is liable to disqualification under rule 2.

Question
An experienced helmsman of a port-tack boat hails ‘Starboard!’ to a beginner who, although on starboard tack, not being sure of himself and probably being scared of having his boat holed, tacks to port to avoid a collision. No protest is lodged.
One school of thought argues that it is fair game, because if a helmsman does not know the rules, that is his own hard luck. The other school rejects this argument, on the grounds that it is quite contrary to the spirit of the rules to deceive a competitor in that way.
It is known that such a trick is often played, particularly where novices are involved, and therefore guidance is sought on whether a protest committee should or should not take action under rule 2.

Answer
A boat that deliberately hails ‘Starboard’ when she knows she is on port tack has not acted fairly and has broken rule 2. The protest committee might also consider taking action under rule 69.

RYA 1980/1