PROTEST! How we protested the leeward boat at the 2026 J/80 Worlds in Canada #sailing

Have you ever found yourself in the protest room at a World Championship? In this episode, the Pretty Sailing team breaks down our very first protest at the 2026 J/80 Worlds! It all started with a tense moment on the start line. While trying to avoid a boat coming up from behind, an overlap was established that forced our bow up and over the line, resulting in our transom touching the other boat's bow. Thankfully there was no damage, and we immediately flew our red protest flag and filed our case online later. But who was really at fault? We dive deep into the Racing Rules of Sailing, comparing Rule 11 (leeward boat right of way) with the rule everyone forgets: Rule 15. Rule 15 dictates that a boat acquiring right of way must initially give the other boat room to keep clear. Featuring a tabletop breakdown of sailboat pivot points, a look into the arbitration process where a 34-point penalty can be reduced to just 7 points, and a fantastic display of regatta sportsmanship (drinks were on us!). Video of a debrief of our collision with Nexum during the Alcaidesa Marina Series race:    • J/80 Collision at the Start Line: Full Mul...   Chapters: 00:00 - The Start Line Collision & Flying the Protest Flag 00:44 - Replay: What Actually Happened 02:05 - Tabletop Breakdown: Rule 11 vs. Rule 15 03:22 - Filing the Protest & Understanding the Point Penalties 04:40 - Inside the Arbitration Room with Monty Spindler 06:46 - The Verdict, Buying Drinks, and the Best Energy Prize! #J80Worlds #SailingProtest #Rule15 #Rule11 #RacingRulesOfSailing #SailboatRacing #RegattaLife #PrettySailing #J80 #SailingTips #ProtestRoom #WorldChampionship