I was on starboard — how can I still lose the protest?

Name: Starboard Was Wrong. Here's Why.
Uploaded: 2026-05-05T12:00:00+12:00
Description: I was on starboard — how can I still lose the protest? Having right of way isn't a free pass. Under Rule 14 you must still avoid contact if reasonably possible, and under Rule 16.1 if you change course you must give the other boat room to keep clear. Starboard-tack boats lose protests when they alter course too late or fail to avoid avoidable contact.

Having right of way isn't a free pass. Under Rule 14 you must still avoid contact if reasonably possible, and under Rule 16.1 if you change course you must give the other boat room to keep clear. Starboard-tack boats lose protests when they alter course too late or fail to avoid avoidable contact.

▶ Watch on YouTube ↓ Download (via YouTube)

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mYKJXeCc0fY" title="Sailing Kiwi" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/windward-mark/starboard-still-wrong/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>

I was on starboard — how can I still lose the protest?

Next on this shelf — The Windward Mark

Tacking at the Windward Mark — Port or Starboard? (Case 9)

The Boat Behind Won't Tack at the Mark — Can She Do That?

She Came In From a Different Angle — Can I Shut the Door? (Case 12)