Section O - Observers
RS CALL O2
Rule 2, Fair Sailing
Rule 31, Touching a Mark
Rule 69, Misconduct
Rule E5.1, Observers
Observers should only hail contact with a mark or another boat when they are
absolutely certain that contact has occurred.
Assumed Facts
An observer appointed by the race committee is watching a boat rounding a mark.
He believes that the boat may have touched the mark; however, he did not clearly
observe any contact, neither did he see the mark move or rotate.
Question 1
Should the observer hail the contact with the mark?
Answer 1
No. Unless an observer is absolutely certain that there has been contact between a
boat and a mark, or between two boats, then he should not announce it.
Question 2
The protest committee receives a report that an observer has, on several occasions,
hailed contact with a mark when the boat clearly did not touch the mark. In one
instance, video evidence filmed from inside the control area shows a boat clearing the
mark by over 40 centimetres, yet a clear hail of “Contact mark” can be heard. It is
alleged that the erroneous calls are favouring sailors from the same club or country as
the observer.
Answer 2
The role of observers is central to the organization of radio sailing events under the
Racing Rules of Sailing. Falsely announcing that another boat has broken a rule, for
which the accused boat would be expected to take a penalty, is both a clear breach of
sportsmanship and fair play and also misconduct.
If the observer is a competitor or a support person, the protest committee may
consider holding a hearing under rule 69.
Question 3
Should the protest committee act in the same way if it is reported that an observer
has not been calling contact when a boat has clearly done so?
Answer 3
Yes. See answer 2.