A collision at the SB3 western championships in Galway two weeks ago has prompted a leading Irish sailor to question the international sailing rules because in certain circumstances he says the rules appear to protect boats without right of way e.g. boats on port tack.

"There is a real problem with the rules which effectively protect the port tack approach to a windward mark inside the zone unless the offended Starboard tack boat is prepared to jump through endless complicated hoops to ensure a successful protest and in the meantime his boat could be badly damaged" says top helmsman Roger Bannon.

The damage sustained in Galway is expected to cost over Euro 5,000 to repair. 

Discussion on the matter has taken place on the afloat.ie forum HERE and also on the class forum HERE.