One thing that hasn't specifically been mentioned above is the impact of a circle in a large fleet. If you're racing in an 8-boat fleet, a circle probably won't hurt much unless the offendor is in front of most of the fleet, and they're tightly packed. If the offendor blows it in front of a 30-boat or larger fleet, particularly at the first weather mark, he could easily lose a dozen boats in a highly competitive fleet. This may factor in to whether you decide to protest.
In large, closely sailed fleets, a one-turn or two-turn penalty can put a boat out of the race. In such events, the sailing instructions should specify the use of the "Scoring Penalty" (see RRS 44.3) instead. Personally, I don't think the magnitude of the penalty should be the determining factor when deciding whether or not to protest.
Generally speaking in terms of etiquette, it's been well said above. All things being equal, it's always better to spend your time in the bar than the room, especially over touching a mark.
It's better to exonerate yourself on the water than spend your time in a protest hearing.
The reason I mention the RC point of view first is simple. For most sane people, the same logic should be applied as a fellow competitor.
I disagree. I refer you to the
Basic Principle of Sportsmanship and the Rules, which states: "competitors in the sport of sailing are governed by a body of rules that they are expected to follow and enforce". Although Race Committee is permitted to protest a boat, it is not their duty. It is the competitors' responsibility to enforce the rules - and they are expected to do so. Therefore, basis for deciding whether or not to protest should be different.
Regards,
Eric
