FACTS FOUND:
1) The RC designated the course of "B" (Start-1-5-1-Finish) to be sailed for Class 1. The RC displayed a "Red Square" on the course board as per OCSA GSI 8.2 indicating that OCSA Designated Mark "2" will serve as Mark "1".
2) The RC made several transmissions by VHF radio in response to questions from boats and in an effort to clarify the course(s).
3) The RC designated the course of "R-B-14-R-B-14-R" to be sailed for Classes 2 & 3, J-105 and PHRF-A respectively, in compliance with RRS 27.1.
4) The RC placed three weather marks; one each at OCSA chart locations "T", and "B" and mark "1" in the vicinity of McCuddy's Marina between the OCSA chart locations of "C" and "B", nearer to location "C". All three marks are set as defined by the SI.
5) All boats of Class 2 (3 boats) started, sailed the course and finished.
6) Boat 414 Did not start and did not come to the starting area.
7) Boats 42779 and 73329 started and rounded mark "B".
8) Boats 69996 and 69022 started and rounded mark "1".
9) Boats 42779 and 73329 sailed the course and finished.
10) Boats 69996 and 69022 did not sail the course.
11) The RC abandoned Race #3 of the series sailed on 5/2/23 after one or more boats had started, sailed the course and finished within the race time limit because there was "confusion" by one or more boats relating to the course.
12) No boat's score in the race or series was made significantly worse by abandoning Race #3.
CONCLUSIONS AND APPLICABLE RULES:
1) The RC made an improper action by displaying a "Red Square" on the course board, however, this improper action is unrelated to the race for Class 3.
2) The RC may report "other information" to competitors by VHF per OCSA GSI 3.3; this information is provided as a courtesy and will not be grounds for redress per OCSA GSI 3.3. The RC is not permitted to make verbal changes to the SI.
3) The RC properly designated the course for Class 3 and properly placed the windward mark as required by the SI (course chart).
4) Boats 69996 and 69022 did not sail the course and did not comply with RRS 28.1.
5) The RC made an improper action by abandoning Race #3; no part of RRS 32.1 allows the RC to abandon a race due to "confusion" by the competitors in the absence of a reason directly affecting the fairness of the competition.
6) No boat's score in the race or series was made significantly worse.
DECISION AND SCORING CHANGE, IF ANY:
1) Redress is denied; race #3 for Class 3 shall remain abandoned.
