Hearing Decision

Redress was found to be valid under RRS61.(b) and RSS61.2(b)(3).

No boats were represented.

The race committee was not represented. 

There were no conflicts raised.

1. Race 3 winter series 14 June 2026

2. Course 46 was shortened pursuant to Rule 32.2 to make the finishing line between BYS 5 and the committee boat.

3. Committee boat was stationed to the North (port side) BYS 5 and displayed Flag S on BYS 5. 

4. That signalling did not accord with the procedure prescribed by RRS 32.2(a), nor with the alternative shortened-course procedure prescribed by SI 15.2.

5. Under SI 15.2, Flag S displayed on the mark, together with the prescribed additional signal, indicates that the mark remains a rounding mark before competitors proceed to a different finishing line. The additional signal required by SI 15.2 was not displayed.

6. Serfia 2 crossed the finishing line in accordance with the Racing Rules of Saiing (see case 129).

7. Shiraz, Organised Chaos, Klinger, Kodachi, Jinja, Karma Kaze, Matadore, Cobra 32, Humperdink and Morticia were scored DNF by the Race Committee because it was determined they had not finished in accordance with the definition of Finish. 

The race committee recorded the race result for the fleet, sans Serifa 2, incorrectly. 

As the Race Committee's official signalling did not correspond with either of the recognised shortened-course procedures available to competitors, confusion was created amonst the fleet as to the proper finishing sequence. 

As a consequence, it's reasonable that the fleet, sans Serifa 2 interpreted the Race Committee's signalling as requiring them to continue rounding BYS 5 to port before proceeding to the finish. Following the Protest Committee's determination of the correct finishing method, the fleet sans Serifa 2, were scored DNF by the Race Committee because they had not finished in accordance with the definition of Finish. 

Despite the confusion, Serifa 2 sailed the course correctly. The rest of the fleet is entitled to redress. 

Vide RSS61.4(b)(1), Shiraz, Organised Chaos, Klinger, Kodachi, Jinja, Karma Kaze, Matadore, Cobra 32, Humperdink and Morticia  are entitled to redress, and 

To make arrangement as possible for all boats affected in accordance with  RRS 61.4(c). 

The finish times are re-instated subject to the redress decision re: Serifa 2 in Hearing #8 on 20 June 2026.