Finishing the Toliva Shoal Race was a challenge. The current swept many boats out of the cove and past the line. The way some got back was controversial. After drifting past the line on the south side of it, they headed for shore and current relief. Worked their way back along the shore they circled the line, passing it now on the north side. Once back on the course side, they turned and crossed the line in the correct direction.
Several people questioned if this was within the rules. Specifically, they thought it might violate rule 28, Sailing the Course. That rule says that “... a string representing her wake ... would when drawn taut pass each mark on the required side and touch each rounding mark. ...” The string clearly passes the finish marks on the wrong side, that is the side opposite the required one.
However it also passes each mark on the required side. Which counts? It was time to look in the Appeals book for an official interpretation. There we find ISAF Case 106 covers this issue. It describes this situation perfectly. Its diagram shows exactly what happened in our situation. It makes clear that these were valid finishes. There was no foul.
Steve Worcester, Star 6932