Keeping Clear While Taking a Penalty
Rule 22.2 states “A boat taking a penalty shall keep clear of one that is not”. Note that this rule is in Part 2, Section D, and the Section D preamble says “When rule 22 or 23 applies between two boats, Section A rules do not”. Therefore, a boat taking a penalty must keep clear of all the other boats, regardless of the other right-of-way rules. That is why it is vital that you must first “get well clear”. If you foul another boat while taking a penalty turn, you’ll have to take a penalty for that too (it’s a separate incident).
Rule 21 Exoneration
EXONERATION
When a boat is sailing within the room or mark-room to which she is
entitled under a rule of Section C, she shall be exonerated if, in an
incident with a boat required to give her that room or mark-room,
(a) she breaks a rule of Section A, rule 15 or rule 16, or
(b) she is compelled to break rule 31.
as you can see there is no provision for an exoneration from rule 22.2. If you foul another boat while making your turns then you are out of the race. Harsh but true.
