If you were on port and crossed starboard but you CLEARLY saw that they DID have to alter their course to avoid hitting you, but did NOT yell "protest" or say anything directly to you, would you still do your penalty turn?
Let's say it was a Noob sailing who wasn't 100% sure they were in the right during this crossing maneuver...
Would this be considered "cheating" (breaking a RRS guideline) or "gamesmanship" (taking advantage of another sailor's lack of knowledge)?
Yes, I would do my penalty turn.
The Racing Rules of Sailing are rules, not "guidelines". Take a look at 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. A fundamental principle of sportsmanship is that when competitors break a rule they will promptly take a penalty, which may be to retire".
Also see RRS 2 -
Fair Sailing which states "
A boat and her owner shall compete in compliance with recognized principles of sportsmanship and fair play".
If you knowingly break a rule but do not take a penalty, then you break Rule 2 - whether or not any other boat protests.
Eric Rasmussen
US Sailing Judge
Chair, SAYRA Appeals Committee
