I've never lost a protest, knowing the rules (and being able to make a good case) help. Here is the international jury's verdict... it looks a lot like mine.
ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART YACHT RACE 2017
Protest: Maxi 12358 "LDV Comanche" represented by James Spithill vs.
Maxi 10001 "Wild Oats XI" represented by Mark Richards Protest is valid.
Witnesses:
James Cooney (LDV Comanche, crew) video.
Ian Burns (Wild Oats XI) video
Jim Cooney (LDV Comanche, owner)
Stan Honey (LDV Comanche, crew - navigator) navigation data.
Ian Murray (Wild Oats XI, crew - tactitian)
FACTS FOUND:
Both boats were on a beat to windward between Mark V and Mark Z, in light wind and a confused sea state.
LDV Comanche tacked onto starboard and was on starboard for approximately 45 seconds. Wild Oats XI was on port on a collision course.
Both boats were doing approximately 9 knots of boat speed.
LDV Comanche did not make any discernible change of course while on starboard.
When the boats were approximately 2 boat lengths apart, Wild Oats XI started to tack onto starboard.
LDV Comanche luffed to avoid a collision before Wild Oats XI completed her tack.
There was no contact.
Neither boat took a two turn penalty.
CONCLUSIONS AND RULES THAT APPLY:
Wild Oats XI on port had to keep clear of LDV Comanche, RRS 10.
Wild Oats XI failed to keep clear while tacking, RRS 13.
LDV Comanche luffed to avoid a collision as required by RRS 14.
Wild Oats XI did not comply with SI 20.1 (a) to do a two turn penalty for breaking a rule of Part 2 occurring prior to clearing Mark Z.
DECISION:
Wild Oats XI is, in lieu of a disqualification, penalised a time penalty of 1 hour to be added to her elapsed time in accordance to SI 20.1(b) and 22.1
International Jury:
John Rountree (Chairman IJ NZL), Erica Kirby (NJ AUS), Jonathon Rees (NJ AUS), Peter Scheuerl (IJ GER), Jamie Sutherland (IJ NZL)
Signed:
John Rountree – Chairman