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.

Some people think that it is permissible to take advantage of inexperience and lack of rules knowledge in this way. Others reject 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 when novices are involved.

In such a case, in addition to breaking rule 10, has the port-tack boat broken rule 2?

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.

GBR 1980/1