Sunday, March 25, 2012

We don't Gybe

Craig Mitchells words "we don't gybe in team racing"

True, but we do gain rights and when we do that we have to give room. That is my problem because room is a matter of opinion. At Excalibur there was a question of whether room was given and I was very glad that I did not need to give an opinion. Both of the guys involved knew the rules as well as I did. Would the boat that had established the overlap - too close in my opinion - have given room as the other boat altered course. I have no idea and am happy not to have had to put my opinion above the skills of the racers.

Similarly on a gybe a lot of people will respond and not let the main out fully - therby keeping clear. They are entitled to gybe in a seamanlike manner - does this mean letting the main out - yes I think it does but rarely will this result in a protest.

Judgement calls will always be part of the rules. I guess I have to live with it.