Racing Rules For Beginners #10: Protest!

What to do if a foul occurs:


IF YOU ARE FOULED

1. Avoid Contact!
2. Hail the word, “PROTEST” to the boat that you believe created the foul.
3. Raise a Red Protest Flag somewhere visible from your stern
4. At the finish, notify the Race Committee that you plan to issue a protest giving the name and/or sail number of the offending boat.
5. Once onshore, find a Protest official to discuss what actions will be taken.


IF YOU FOUL ANOTHER BOAT

1. Avoid Contact!
2. If you believe you fouled another boat, get clear of all other boats and do two complete circles in the same direction. Once the circles are complete, you can rejoin the race without further penalty.
3. If you do not think there was a foul, continue sailing the race with the understanding that you are racing under protest. Once the race is complete, Protest officials will determine which boat was correct based on eye witness accounts and then determine an appropriate action.


IF YOU HIT A MARK

1. Get Clear of all other boats and complete one full 360° circle.
NOTE - You have NO rights over any other boat during the time you are doing penalty circles. Make sure you are clear in both time and distance from all other racers before starting your circles.

This is the final post from the Milwaukee Yacht Club's "Basic Sailboat Racing Rules All Racers Should Know". Do you have a particular rule you wish more sailors were cognizant of? Drop us a line and vent! - Ralph, Montreal Sailing