not a mark:Does the RRS defining of ‘mark’ factor into this?
Good one.The race SIs list the bridge as a mark on the course. If you touch it do you spin? Why? Why not?
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AgreedWith those sailing instructions, the bridge is not a Mark because it does not have a "required side" (footnote b). So, we go back to it being an obstruction. No rule about touching an obstruction except perhaps the earlier argument about propulsion. So, assuming that the propulsion argument is not an issue, I say no turns required.
I'm not a racer so I will leave the technical arguments to others but judging from the amount of concrete missing from the corner, that bridge has jumped out in front of a few people. Must be a difficult mark.The race SIs list the bridge as a mark on the course. If you touch it do you spin? Why? Why not?
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I agree, very funny wording. Although re-reading the basic rule of propulsion in 42.1, it says: "Except when permitted in rule 42.3 or 45, a boat shall compete by using only the wind and water to increase, maintain or decrease her speed. Her crew may adjust the trim of sails and hull, and perform other acts of seamanship, but shall not otherwise move their bodiest to propel the boat."RRS42.3(h) is worded funny. It allows you to get clear by pushing off, but only after a colliding.
This is the funny wording of the rule I mentioned earlier. It says YES you can, but (reading critically) only AFTER you have collided into it.Are you allowed to "push off" a mark ? Like Kermit, around here if you "touch" a bridge it might result in an autopsy.