Three new appeal decisions have been published to the Australian Sailing website. 

The first appeal is from the 64th Heron National Championship. The issue started with two boats overlapped at a mark, resulting in one capsizing. The appellant was concerned about the procedure associated with this protest hearing and that there were incorrect conclusions, and an incorrect decision. The appeal panel reversed the decision. 

The second was from a twilight race on Sydney Harbour. There was a collision between two yachts and both protested. The appeal argued that the protest committee did not apply rule 20 Room to Tack at an Obstruction properly. Ultimately the appeal was upheld, but neither boat was penalised any further because both had retired. 

Lastly, at Sail Port Stephens where a boat entangled with a mark and its warp. Boats protested, boats sought redress, all of which was denied by the protest committee. The appeal decision, however, directed that the protest committee revisit the matter and hold a new a new hearing as soon as possible. 

Appeals are a great way to learn about the rules, and we recommend that competitors, coaches and race officials take the time to read them. 

Appeal decisions can be found here on the AS website. 
More information on requesting confirmation or correction is found here.

By Melanie Peasey.