Sailing Instructions interpretation...

The event SargeSail was talking about: In the second race of the week, we started next to the CB (large yacht). We believed we were behind the line, but were certainly close (i.e. alongside the yacht, not waiting at its stern).
Results came out, we were DSQed. Queried it, and were told "only DSQ would be OCS". DRAT said the crew - and for the rest of the week refused to let me get close to the line at the start, in case my eyesight had gone... So this result affected every race after that.

At the end of the week, we were told "You didn't go around the spacer mark".
Actually we DID, and while doing so we ran into the back of the boat ahead, and hit the buoy at the same time :-( By the time we had completed the various turns, we had drifted with the tide almost into the line of boats between windward mark and the spacer. So on completing the turns we bore away quick and hoisted the kite... That was when we were spotted by either rescue boat or another competitor.
But we didn't know this until after the prize giving at the end of the week. And by then we were preparing to head for home, and even if they had re-instated us it couldn't alter the "don't go near the line" calls from the crew with 15 seconds to go.

Still: The crew says "we wont be going back there again".

Originally posted by sargesail Gordon, Happened at my last event too....sadly too late for the boat to ask for redress (they believed they had been OCS - since none of the correct scoring codes had been used)....and once they became aware they were beyond caring - by the time we were discussing it they were outside the redress time limit.....but I wished they had. But I can't say I was surprised - all the rules/results work was poor.....I'll PM you later to ask your advice about what to do if I am in the same situation again...don;t want to air teh laundry on here!

Edited by Brass - 16 Aug 12 at 12:57am

Here is an example of a note to competitors regarding Jury policy. As used at some ISAF events:

Sailing is essentially a self-policing sport. The jury expect that boats will take a penalty promptly when appropriate. The primary responsibility for protesting breaches of the rules is with the competitors, not the jury. However, in addition to taking action in accordance with Appendix P, the jury may lodge protests in accordance with RRS 60.3.

The jury will not usually protest for a breach of a rule of Part 2 or rule 31 unless they observe an apparent breach of good sportsmanship (RRS 2). Examples of such breaches are:

deliberate breach of the rules without taking a penalty and gaining an advantage.

failing to take a penalty after knowingly touching a mark with no justification for exoneration.

intimidating other boats – often evidenced by unnecessary shouting or foul language.

team tactics – sailing to benefit another boat to the detriment of your own position.

reckless sailing – sailing that results in or is likely to result in damage or injury.

My advice to Sargesail - be totally without mercy. Everytime the RC disqualifies a boat, except as provided for in rule A5, redress should be requested, and if refused an appeal made.

Gordon

Agreed Andy - but I would be able to write those essential details down when afloat.  Because it is all too easy to use up 20 minutes securing the boat on the trolley, dropping sails, pulling up the beach and then walking to the Club.

Brass - The RC is not required to protest, but they cannot take action without a protest except in very limited circumstances.

As you rightly point out the PRIMARY responsibilty for enforcing the rules iswith the competitor. This does not mean that race officials have NO responsibility. There are circumstances in which a race official may protest. Which is why publishing clear policy of the circumstances in which a RC or PC will consider protesting makes things clearer for everyone.