Situation
Appendix B, Windsurfing Competition Rules Rule 61.1(a) is changed by rule B5, to state: '… She shall also inform the race committee of her intention to protest as soon as practicable after she finishes or retires.'

Question 1
How soon is 'as soon as practicable'?

Answer 1
It depends. She may be able to inform the race committee promptly after finishing, in which case she must do so. However, she may be unavoidably delayed by keeping clear of or avoiding interfering with other boards, by capsizing or due to her distance from the race committee vessel at the moment of finishing. In addition, she may not want to distract the race committee during a tight finish. The board complies with the rule when she gives priority to notifying the race committee of her protest without taking other actions such as sailing to her coach boat to get some water or advice about protesting. If the board retires, she may inform any official boat nearby, but it is acceptable to take the faster route to shore, proceeding directly to the race office. In case of injury or emergency, a delay should be accepted.

Question 2
What would be an acceptable interval between when a board crosses the finishing line and when she informs the race committee of her intention to protest?

Answer 2
The racing rules are written for a wide range of classes, disciplines, courses and sailing conditions. Therefore, it is difficult to define an acceptable interval of time that would be adequate for all. It is up to the protest committee to decide whether there are reasons to question the validity of the protest. Answer 1 provides guidance.