This is where it gets sticky. I try not to get too aggressive with this one and everyone has their own definition of aggressive.

I have heard of people losing a tacking/jibing too close protest because there was no contact. Yes, I know contact is a no no. I'm just saying when it goes to the room it's a bit of a crap shoot.

In your case Pete, unless the left looked really yummy I probably would have bailed before the other two boats could pin me. If I'm going to lose a race I'm going to do it on my terms not someone else's :-)