Section O - Observers
RS CALL O1
Rule E5.1, Observers
Guidance on the role of observers
Question
What is the role of observers?
Answer
The role of observers in radio sailing is to assist competitors and officials in the
observance of and compliance with the racing rules. Rule E5.1 governs the
appointment and tasks of observers.
Observers, who may be competitors in the event, announce and record contacts
between boats, and contacts between boats and marks. Boats involved in the incident
have an opportunity to take a penalty at the time of the incident. If the incident is not
resolved by a boat taking an applicable penalty, rule E5.1(c) requires the observer to
report the incident to the race committee. This rule also requires observers to report
any other unresolved incidents, including unresolved protests, and any failure to sail
the course (as new 2021 definition). The race committee may then protest one or
several boats involved in the incident.
Any hail or report by an observer is independent evidence about an incident. It is not
a statement of fact although a protest may subsequently give such evidence greater
weight than any conflicting evidence; see rule 63.6(d). In any hearing arising from a
report the observer is not a party but a witness. An observer does not have a conflict
of interest solely by being a competitor; see rule E1.1.
In umpired racing, the role of the observer in the same but, in addition, the observer
will report his observations to the umpire. The observer may also make available
information about other incidents that may help the umpire to decide to penalize or
exonerate any boats involved in the incident or report an unresolved incident to the
protest committee. The observer retains the status of an independent witness.
New call January 2021