RRS 2009-2012

We had a interesting time at the last Laser Qualifier. We usually have a jury for rule 42 (yellow flag) but instead we had an umpire (with red and green flags)!

The Umpire was Bill Brockbank, sorry I do not have any contact details but I could try and get them at the next event...

Originally posted by Jon Emmett The Umpire was Bill Brockbank, sorry I do not have any contact details but I could try and get them at the next event...

RYA Race Officiails Website - go to page 5.. et voila

Spyderman,

the relevant SI was:

15. PENALTY SYSTEM

15.1 RRS 44.1 and 44.2 are changed so that only one turn, including one tack and one gybe, is required.

15.2 Appendix P – immediate penalties for breaking RRS 42 will apply. RRS P2.3 will not apply and RRS P2.2 is changed so that it will apply to any penalty after the first one.

15.3 To encourage boats to take penalties afloat, protest committee members may blow a whistle and point a yellow flag at the infringing boat(s) when they see what they believe to be a breach of the RRS. They may then lodge a protest if no action is taken by the infringing boat(s).

 

Whilst this worked well I would in fact be happier if a variant of the team racing rules for partially umpired races was used. I believe that race officials are not there to replace the competitors as the enforcers of the rules, but may give an on-the-water decsion should a competitor protest.

 

Another incident at another event was interesting. A boat infringed on the start line, Victim, sailing a borowed boat, hails protest, but does not display a red flag (boat over 6m), however infringing boat does protest correctly. Having observed closely the incident, and as Jury chairman I wanted the incident to come before a hearing. After consultation with RO and another NJ, also on the water, we were worried that the infringing boat would not proceed with protest. We decided that I should protest in order to guarantee that a valid protest was made.  This I did, which encouraged infringing boat to protest. I then withdrew my protest, as soon as hearing began.

Juries don't often protest Part 2 incidents, but in this case the infringement was blatant, tok place within full view of RO and Jury, and was the type of behaviour we do not want to see.

 

Interested to hear peoples comments

Gordon

Back on the subject of the 2009-12 rules, I notice that Rule 17.2 has gone.
It was a handy rule on downwind legs, as it countered the increased luffing
power leading boats gained from the abolition of the mast-abeam rule.
Going through the lee of a boat in front was a genuine opportunity, and
could not be blocked by the other boat. Merely because few sailors
understand the rule is insufficient reason ( at least IMO) for ditching it.

Comments?