If you are given a Yellow Flag penalty from the Jury for breaking rule 42 (Propulsion), pause and think for a moment. Your first job is to get well clear of other boats. If you are in a congested area such as a start line or approaching a mark you may need to either stop or sail round the mark.

Now decide whether to gybe or tack first. Many sailors have a preferred direction but sometimes it is safer to take turns in the other direction. Remember that you are the keep clear boat while taking a penalty (rule 22.2). Both turns of a two turn penalty are to be taken in the same direction. If you interrupt your penalty turns to keep clear of another boat, you will need to start your penalty turns all over again. If a right of way boat has to alter course to avoid you while you are taking your turns you have broken rule 22.2 and will need to exonerate yourself by taking two more penalty turns. If you fail to keep clear and interrupt your penalty turns you will need to take a four-turn penalty to fully exonerate yourself. This is why you should stop and thin before taking penalty turns without assessing the situation first!

 

If lockdown prevents a return to racing then spend some time practising taking penalty turns in both directions next time your are afloat. '