Protest Playbook: From Hail to Hearing

by Heather Mahady, UK Sailmakers
You’ve witnessed a rule breach on the water. Maybe a boat struck a mark, or forced you to take avoiding action. Now what? Understanding the protest process is essential for every racing sailor, whether you’re filing a protest or defending against one.

Competitors are governed by the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS), which they are responsible not only for following, but also for upholding. A core principle of sportsmanship is that when a boat breaks a rule and is not exonerated, they will promptly take an appropriate penalty. That may be a penalty turn, a scoring or time penalty, or in some cases, retirement from the race.

Remember that even if you have the right of way, you are required to avoid contact if it is reasonably possible (RRS 14). Keep in mind that a right-of-way protest is valid if you can show you were forced to take evasive action to avoid a collision. Ultimately, winning a protest is small consolation for a shredded spinnaker, a damaged hull, or an injured crew member! – Full report