Rule 69 - where are the limits

I've been on the receiving end of this myself. At a laser open a number of years ago. I was on port trying to take avoiding action of a starboard boat (both beating) and he bore away. I muttered about give me a chance, hold your course and received a torrent of abuse, not sure how many times I was told to F off. I responded to tell him to shut up and that I would protest him if he continued. This resulted in yet more abuse, so I yelled protest and let him continue shouting. (I was more focussed on the radial behind me than a full rig that didn't count to my results so didn't want to get too distracted)
Now I'm fairly confident on the water and managed to not let him wind me up (went on to overtake him on the reach and beat him in the race). I guess he took offence to a young girl in a radial being that close to him (full rig).

I was advised when I got back to shore that he had been a bit of a hot shot in his youth and was a bit of a god at the club so I guess he got away with that sort of behaviour there. I didn't follow through with the protest as didn't appear it would be taken seriously, despite me having a witness. Really should of taken it further as that could have easily put off a more timid sailor from ever competing again. It wasn't just the language, but the tone and volume used. Definitely trying to intimidate. I do wonder if he would have behaved the same if I was a 20something lad in a full rig...

So here is a question for you.  I get fairly wound up when sailing.  Mainly with myself.  As Jeffers will tell you from experience.  I often swear at myself in a fit of self induced rage.  Not proud of it and would be devastated if i offended anyone, however If I am not directing at anyone other than myself am i still in breach of rule 69?  I mean no one any offence, just frustrated in myself.  

Originally posted by Null So here is a question for you.  I get fairly wound up when sailing.  Mainly with myself.  As Jeffers will tell you from experience.  I often swear at myself in a fit of self induced rage.  Not proud of it and would be devastated if i offended anyone, however If I am not directing at anyone other than myself am i still in breach of rule 69?  I mean no one any offence, just frustrated in myself.

Originally posted by Null Thats completely understandable and as such if i was protested and DSQ then i would only have myself to blame.  I am pretty highly strung, very aware of it and make steps in life to ensure i stay calm.  Like i say i wouldn't want to offend someone when shouting at myself.   Does lead on to another point.  If we are saying that something not directed at someone is still offensive (and i totally understand that) So what about if a sailor was slightly portly.  He wore ill fitting shorts.....Lets give him a name for the sake of an example..I don't know.....Daniel. So Daniel, he is a lovely bloke.  Reasonable sailor.  But has suffered from middle age spread.  He insists on sailing in board shorts, however he is constantly displaying his arse...Hairy and fat!  Its offensive to my eyes and frankly anyone else on the water.  Is this a breach of rule 69?   Now obviously i jest, however its a valid example.  He means no more or no little offence than me swearing at myself.

Oh bother ( other word deleted) I expect I fit all 3 categories, or did before the grey took over.