Well written but the bottom line is the sailors are in control. It doesn't matter what the rules say if the two parties involved in the infraction make a deal on the water or have an unwritten understanding how they will handle the situation.

Didn't there used to be a rule that if a third party witnessed a foul and no action was taken by either party the third party could protest those involved and they could both be flicked? HUGE D!CK move but if you really feel the game is suffering with how it's being played now that is one rule that could force the actions you're looking for.

It's also been my observation that it's the youth sailors that will file a protest and will happily sit in the room to make their case, maybe because they are too young to drink. Maybe we should ban adult beverages at regattas. Probably not a such a great idea to boost attendance though, on the bright side we'd get more protests (maybe).

This gentlemen also made a good point about the sailors not knowing the rules. If a sailor gets fouled and doesn't even know they got fouled then as far as I'm concerned it is shame on them for not making the effort to learn the rules.

Another reason protests are often not filed... there is a significant lack of rules knowledge and those that know and understand the rules simply are not interested in sitting in a protest room while the party goes on without them.

It's not perfect but the system works as far as I'm concerned. If I'm fouled I'll protest. I've been in this game way too long to expect people to do the right thing so it's on me to protest or not. I've accepted the fact that there is no way you're going to legislate morality.