Depending on the source of your information a J24 in 15kts has an optimal heel angle of 10 degrees or probably a little less. At 10 degrees her mast head would be less than 350mm downwind of the leeward gunwhale (based on the published dimensions of the J24).

For reference for an S80:
  LOA = 7320mm
  Beam = 2710mm
  Mast = 9750mm above waterline

Even if both boats were heeled at 30 degrees in opposite directions there would still be more than 250mm between their mast heads if there was actually 1-boat-length between them (ie. between their gunwhales).

The 'facts found' in the original poster's message (including the diagram) are dubious at best.

RRS 60.2(a)(1) If the protestor is a boat, she shall hail 'Protest' and, if her length is more than 6 meters, conspicuously display a red flag, at the first reasonable opportunity for each.  She shall display the red flag until she is no longer racing.  

As a protestor you are required to hail protest and also required to display a red flag if applicable as read above, deviation from these requirements can/should render any subsequent protest as invalid unless subject to other parts of RRS 60.  

And I appreciate it.

I never called you a blockhead.