Ruminating on Rules

Reflecting on the 2023 sailing season, and looking forward to the 2024 season, the Formula Wave Class and it’s members have much to be proud of.  We also have some things that could be improved upon.
 
The FWC is one of the better one-design classes in sailing.  The Wave is decently available and affordable - both new and used.  It is easy to sail and maintain.  The FWC organizes and promotes its own 3-day Tier 1 and 2 regattas, as well as 2-day Tier 3 regattas all over the US.  The FWC has been awarded Silver Level status by Sailors For The Sea.  Events such as the 2024 Wave 100, and the 2025 US Sailing Alter Cup will provide even more exposure to the FWC from the sailing community.  We are both in the spotlight, and under the looking glass.
 
One of the areas I think we can improve upon is our attitude towards the Rules.  On the beach, and around the campfire, you hear so many stories about “getting screwed by a barger” at the start, “losing 4 places while avoiding” a give-way boat, or some equipment infraction.  I often ask them - did you protest?  The answer is almost always - “Nah - too much trouble”.  This does not help our class, and is something to improve upon in the future.
 
All too often, we witness, or are a participant in, rule breaking - especially at the start and mark roundings.  Voicing your displeasure (at yourself or another) is part of racing. At the start, we yell at those who spoil our strategy, who are aiming for the same hole we were aiming for, those to leeward, those to windward, bargers, those in irons, and ourselves.  How do you know when that yeller is actually serious at YOU about an alleged foul?  When they say the magic word - “PROTEST”.  According to the Rule 61.1(a), the exact word ”protest” is required.  “Do a circle”, “you fouled me”, “don’t try that”, “don’t go there”, and the perennial favorite “WTF Jane!” are meaningless.  A corinthian sailor uses that magic word “protest” to signal their belief that a rule has been broken, and they expect someone to pay.  If the rule-breaker does not exonerate themselves, the corinthian sailor does not just complain and bitch.  They fill out a Protest Form, turn it in, prepare, and attend the Protest Hearing.  When the hearing is over, they shake hands (or hug), and get everyone a beer.
 
The alleged rule-breaker can exonerate themselves for most fouls by doing a circle.  If they think they were the one wronged, they can protest back.  If they think they did nothing wrong, or there was no foul, they can do nothing.  However, they should fully expect to explain themselves at a Protest Hearing.  This is not happening.
 
The follow-through is where we are failing - on both sides.  Sailors have the mentality that no one ever files a protest, and it appears to be true.  If no protest is filled, the rule-breaker gets the idea that they were actually in the right.  The urgency of learning and following the rules is low if there is little chance of consequences.  In fact, there is no better way to learn the rules than to be in a protest.  The number of sailors learning and following the rules, and doing circles during a regatta would increase dramatically after a few protest hearings had been held.  Being part of a protest should be a normal part of racing.  We can all do better. 
 
Learning and applying the racing rules is a lifelong task.  Look them over this winter.  I highly recommend the book Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing through 2024, by Dave Perry.  It is easy to understand, and uses examples that everyone can relate to.  The rules also evolve and change.  You might not know the rules as well as you think.  Take a look.
 
Racers can be turned off by the Class being too uptight, or too laid-back.  The FWC, and Wave racers in general, are much more towards the too laid-back end of the spectrum.  As the FWC gains respect and exposure, we all need to shed the “plastic boat mentality” of “if you’re rubbing, you’re racing”.  Expecting a higher standard will not be less welcoming, or more intimidating, or less fun.  It can strengthen our class.  Let’s do better for 2024 and beyond.
 
Jane Sherrod
FWC Measurer