Three large boats were to round a mark near coastal rocks and then sail into a 6-knot current. The wind was light. Boat A radioed to boat B, whose skipper was more familiar with the area, asking whether it was safe to anchor in the vicinity of the mark. B replied that it was not safe to anchor. Boat C protested both boats under rule 41, for discussing what tactics were to be used for rounding the mark and sailing the next leg.

The protest committee dismissed the protest against B and disqualified A for receiving outside help. It noted that she could have sailed or motored away from the mark in perfect safety at any time, and that the only reasons for anchoring at the mark were to overcome the adverse current and to win the race.

A appealed, on the grounds that she did not believe she had received help, that she believed that advice given on a public radio channel was not outside help, and that a national authority should not condone disqualification for receiving safety information.

A's appeal is dismissed. A asked for help for tactical racing reasons and received it. It is irrelevant that A's question and the information she received in response were broadcast on a public radio channel. The help A received did not come within the scope of the exceptions to rule 41, especially not rule 41(d) since she solicited the information. Therefore A broke rule 41.

GBR 2001/4