A port-tack boat cuts across two starboard boats. One hails "Protest"; the other saw it all but said nothing, then protested after the race. Is the port boat out?
Not on the silent boat's protest. Under Rule 60.2(a)(1) a boat that wants to protest must hail "Protest" at the first reasonable opportunity, and show a red flag too if her hull is longer than 6 metres. No hail, and the protest is invalid under Rule 60.4(a)(1); the protest committee decides validity first, before it hears anything about the incident (Rule 63.4(a)). But the port boat is not safe: she broke Rule 10, and the starboard boat that hailed straight away has a valid protest that can still penalise her.
📖 Want Rule 60 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/SqSNEUkFTjM/">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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