Melges 24 Charleston

Across all of Race Week through the end of Saturday, there have only been 3 DSQ (Disqualifications). That’s very few with over 175 boats racing in 7 to 8 races each.

Anyone have a theory on whey that is?

Here are some possibilities…

• The new rules are easier to understand and follow (unlikely)

• People are taking their penalties on the water (I’ve seen some of that)

• People are retiring after the fact (RAF) (the scoreboard lists a few)

• People are excited the awesome parties and don’t want to stand around waiting for a protest hearing (Ding, ding, ding, this seems like the winner)

I would love to see US Sailing reduce on the water penalties to a single turn (some times called a 360). Several classes, including Melges 24s often make this change in the instructions. The idea is to get people to say, “oops, I was wrong. The penalty isn’t too bad, I’ll take it rather than worry about getting thrown out.”

Under the current 2-turn penalty system, racers often fight any protest in the hope that the protesting team will get fatigued and drop the protest or be unable to prove their case in the protest room. This runs counter to the Corinthian spirit of the sport. If you foul someone, by rule, you’re suppose to take a penalty or retire from the race.

Instituting a less painful penalty system would increase compliance. And that’s good for camaraderie.