Red crosses on port and Green has to bear away. Green hails "Protest!". Yellow, close by on starboard, sees it all but says nothing, then protests Red after the race. Is Red out?
Not on Yellow's protest. A boat that wants to protest must hail "Protest" herself at the first reasonable opportunity (Rule 60.2(a)(1)), and show a red flag too if she is over 6 metres. Green's hail is Green's. Yellow never hailed, so her protest is invalid (Rule 60.4(a)(1)) and the protest committee closes the hearing before hearing the incident (Rule 63.4(a)). The hail is excused only when the protestee is out of hailing distance (Rule 60.2(b)(1)) or there is obvious danger, injury or serious damage (Rule 60.2(c)). Red is not safe, though: she broke Rule 10, and Green hailed, so Green can still protest. The smart move is to shout "Protest!" yourself.
📖 Want Rule 10 in more depth? Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules 2025-2028 sets out every rule with plain-English explanations and diagrams. (affiliate link)
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<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/GZ2eM8UxyZs/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Go deeper: books and gear
- Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules 2025-2028 — Every rule, with plain-English explanations and diagrams.
- Racing Rules Companion 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Spiral-bound pocket guide to the current rules.
- 100 Best Racing Rules Quizzes by Dave Perry — Rules scenarios to test yourself on, with the answers.
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