Protests and hearings
World Sailing · 2025–2028A boat intending to protest must inform the other boat at the first reasonable opportunity. For an incident seen in the racing area, this normally includes hailing “Protest” and displaying a conspicuous red flag, with defined exceptions including the flag exemption for smaller boats. The written protest must identify the parties and incident.
The rule
A boat intending to protest must inform the other boat at the first reasonable opportunity. For an incident seen in the racing area, this normally includes hailing “Protest” and displaying a conspicuous red flag, with defined exceptions including the flag exemption for smaller boats. The written protest must identify the parties and incident.
In practice
Deliver the protest within the applicable time limit using the method stated for the event. Sailing instructions can replace the default deadline. The protest committee checks validity, hears evidence and decides which rules apply. An angry discussion afloat is not a substitute for the procedure, and a committee need not accept a competitor’s initial description of the relevant rule.
Sources & approach ↗