Protest Flag Location

Hi all,

Almost got run over a couple weeks ago by one of the old Ensign sailors on his keelboat not looking around. I was on starboard tack and he was on port, so I had rights. He later apologized but since I didn't have a protest flag on board, he didn't do his circles.

I was wondering where you guys like to keep your protest flags, and when you need to fly them during a race (since they didn't do their circles), where do you hoist them on your Hobie 16s? Please include pictures if you can.

I have a big regatta coming up this weekend, and would like to make sure I can protest properly this time.

Thanks in advance.

Rule 61.1(a)(2) says that "if the hull of the protesting boat is less than 6 metres, she need not display a protest flag."

Therefore, a Hobie 16 does not need to carry a protest flag.

Just make sure you say the word "protest" loud and clear immediately.

sm

Indeed. It is the magic word. When the protest committee asks, "How did you notify the other boat of your intent to protest?" the proper answer is, "I hailed 'protest' immediately."

Note that the requirement is for you to hail, not for the other boat to hear your hail, although it helps to have witnesses that did hear your hail and can testify to it in the event the protestee developed selective hearing.