A number of riders hit marks while racing on Sunday. I've been asked if this is OK, or what to do if you hit a mark.
The Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) Rule 31 says you must not touch a mark, BUT, Appendix BB says RRS Rule 31 does not apply. Appendix BB modifies the RRS for Kiteboarding.
So, you can touch a mark without penalty when kiteboard racing. If you hit a mark you must still go around it, leaving it to the proper side. You, being your body, your board and your kite.
As a side note: A kiter may hit a mark and start dragging it. Just because it is moving doesn't mean it is no longer the mark. Other competitors still need to go around it. Be careful when someone is entangled with the windward mark as you are about to go around. If they free themselves from the mark you may find it suddenly springing to windward and jumping in front of you.
Yes Don I knew I was going to be close but what happened is my Fins could the securing line and dumppped me. I know if possible you should not be that close but should the first 6 or 8 feet of that line be wiegthed some how.
On Sunday I was rounding the mark just behind Sabi. He snagged his fins on the mark, sending his kite into mine. I hurtled into the mark but I rolled around it correctly. However my board may not have actually rounded the mark by the time I retrieved it and continued.
Theoretical questions to a protest committee: 1. Did Sabi foul me? 2. Did I complete the race if my board never rounded the mark?