The DBSC sailing instructions stipulate that protests/hearing requests shall be, submitted electronically through the DBSC website within 48 hours of the start of the race for the protesting boat’s class. The time stamp recorded on the Hon. Protest Secretary’s system shall be deemed evidence of the time submitted. In the case of a diagram being considered necessary this shall also be submitted in the form below
Please click on the link below. Once you have filled out the form press ‘SAVE’ to submit your protest
Top tips for filling out the form
1. Essential Form Details
Incident Time/Date: Fill in the date and time of the incident, not necessarily the date you are filing the form.
Race Number: Ensure the race number is accurate. This is crucial for linking the incident to the correct results.
Identify the Protestee: Make sure to identify the other boat(s) involved correctly.
Be Specific on Location: Provide details on where the incident occurred (e.g., “Leg 2, just before the windward mark”). Failure to accurately describe when and where the incident occurred can make the protest invalid.
Identify Rules Broken: Mention the rule(s) you believe were broken. A “best guess” is acceptable, as the jury is not limited to only the rules you list.
2. Procedures for Filing
Select Correct Hearing Type: Select all that apply—usually “Protest” and often “Request for Redress” if your finishing position was affected.
Informing Other Boats: Clearly describe how and when you informed the other boat of your intention to protest (e.g., “Hailed ‘Protest’, displayed red flag immediately”).
Witnesses: Identify any witnesses you intend to call in the designated section, though you may add them later if needed.
Missing Information: If you are in a rush to meet a time limit, you can submit the form with essential information and update it later.
3. Writing the incident description
This is the core of your protest. Keep it clear, chronological and concise
Example structure:
- Situation (“I was on starboard…”)
- Other boat’s action
- What happened (collision, avoidance, etc.)
- Outcome (damage, penalty, retirement)
Include explicitly:
- Contact?
- Damage?
- Injury?
These affect how the protest is judged
3. Tips for Specific Situations
Redress Requests: If you are seeking redress from the Race Committee or a Protest Committee decision, check the appropriate box and explain why the action was improper or unfair.
Scoring Errors: For scoring inquiries, a written enquiry is often accepted by committees as a valid request for redress.
Withdrawals: Once you submit the form, you cannot delete it. If you wish to withdraw, you must request this directly from the jury.
Time Limits: Be aware of the Protest Time Limit, which is usually posted on the official notice board.
4. Diagrams
You can bring a handwritten diagram with you to the hearing, it does not have to be included on the form
5. Appeals
If you disagree with the protest committee’s desicion, please refer to Irish Sailing’s page on how to appeal