Thanks a lot for jumping in. You pretty much sum up exactly where I have come to in this discussion. Sounds like you have some protest committee experience.
You're welcome.
Yes, I've been hearing protests for about 4 years now. Funny thing is, I didn't set out to be a judge. I just wanted to know the rules so I could use them to my advantage.
Mostly, what I've learned is to steer clear of situations like this one. As has been pointed out already, both boats would probably have been better served by crossing cleanly. S (looking down the course) could have either heated up a little and blown by to windward of P, or could have driven deep and slipped below. The first option may be a little faster (no wind shadow from P), the second a little safer (preserves an escape to leeward). Both are better than risking a DSQ. P (looking up the course) could have pinched up a little and established a line to windward of S. That may be slower, but it avoids sailing through S's shadow and sure beats double-tacking or doing turns.
Regards,
Eric
